HC Deb 06 March 1957 vol 566 cc328-9
8. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the cost to public funds over the four years ended 31st December, 1956, of the gifts in cash and kind given to the Arab Legion.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

In the period from April, 1953, to 31st December, 1956, the cash subsidy to the Arab Legion, paid in accordance with our obligations under the Anglo-Jordan Treaty 1948, amounted to nearly £34 million. In the same period maintenance issues of equipment worth some £480,000 were made to certain units of the Arab Legion without payment. I am circulating detailed figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Fernyhough

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman explain exactly what the British nation got out of this expenditure?

Mr. Lloyd

We were carrying out a treaty obligation entered into in 1948.

Following are the figures:

Payments to the Arab Legion from the United Kingdom subsidy:

£
1953–54 8,889,485
1954–55 9,117,610
1955–56 9,115,338
1st April, 1956-31st December, 1956 6,816,166
Total £33,938,599

Issues in kind:

During 1953–54 maintenance issues of equipment were made to the value of £479,557.