HC Deb 10 June 1964 vol 696 cc424-5
24. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is now the weekly cost of military operations in Aden and the Aden Peninsula.

Mr. Thorneycroft

It is impossible to give a meaningful figure for the cost of operations of this sort conducted by standing forces.

Mr. Hughes

Does that mean that we are spending money in such a way that even the Minister does not understand how much is being spent? Can he tell us whether the cost of this miniature Suez is being paid by the taxpayer? Cannot he make arrangements to send the bill to the sheikhs and the oil interests?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The British taxpayer pays substantial sums for maintaining the defence forces of this country, and they are conducting themselves in a proper way.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear that the financial cost is modest, considering the sterling and British strategic interests involved?

Mr. Thorneycroft

That raises wider questions. It is clearly worth while to maintain defence forces and defence equipment adequate to protect this country.

Mr. Oram

In view of the desperate need for economic aid in this area, can the right hon. Gentleman indicate how the figure for which he was asked in this Question compares with the amount of aid that is being provided for this area?

Mr. Thorneycroft

There is certainly a need for economic aid in this and similar areas, but if one asked the local inhabitants what was needed at the present moment, they would certainly say that the first requirement was defence.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter again at the earliest opportunity.