HC Deb 25 May 1960 vol 624 cc420-1
9. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Air the estimated annual cost of maintaining the Aden station, and others up the Persian Gulf.

Mr. W. J. Taylor

I estimate the direct annual cost to Air Votes of maintaining our forces in the Arabian Peninsula at about £13 million.

Mr. Hamilton

As this very large sum is due almost entirely to the protection of oil interests, and as that oil is in direct competition with the coal industry in this country, would it not be common justice to get the oil companies to pay some of this so that the coal industry can compete on fairer terms than it can at the moment?

Mr. Taylor

No, Sir. This is money well spent on protecting our interests, in meeting our treaty obligations, and helping to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

10. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied that there are sufficient communications aircraft in the Persian Gulf and Aden areas.

Mr. W. J. Taylor

There has been a shortage of communications aircraft in the Persian Gulf. To meet this we are sending two more Twin Pioneer aircraft from elsewhere in the Command. We are studying a proposal for a further small increase.

Mr. Wall

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he bear in mind that these aircraft are used to a great extent by political agents in that area in the performance of their duties to our allies, and therefore they extend beyond the actual duties of the Royal Air Force?

Mr. Taylor

We are keeping a close watch on the situation, and I will bear in mind what my hon. Friend said.