HC Deb 06 June 1962 vol 661 cc449-50
20. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is now the cost of a squadron of jet fighters of the type now stationed in Thailand.

Mr. Amery

The annual running cost is about £600,000.

Mr. Hughes

Are the rulers of Thailand going to pay the Government for this, or is the cost to be met by British taxpayers?

Mr. Amery

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question about that.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Is it not a fact that £600,000 would have to be spent in any case on the squadron even if it were in Singapore or Malaya?

Mr. Amery

A large proportion of it, certainly.