§ 26. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the national expenditure on Cyprus from the time it became a base to 15th October, 1964; and what is now the estimated weekly cost of the base.
§ Mr. HealeyDefence expenditure in Cyprus from 1st December, 1954, to 15th October, 1964, was about £210 million. The estimated weekly cost of the base at present is about £400,000.
§ Mr. HughesIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is the first time for the last 10 years that I have been able to get a satisfactory account of expenditure in Cyprus? Is he aware that if he is looking at this item of expenditure with the prospect of reviewing it, we shall be 21 very pleased indeed? If he is going to Cyprus will he take Dr. Beeching with him?
§ Mr. HealeyI am very grateful to my hon. Friend for those few kind words. I shall bear them in mind on future occasions.
§ Mr. KershawWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the difficulty of fulfilling our obligations to C.E.N.T.O. without the Cyprus base, and will he say how over-flying rights would be affected without it?
§ Mr. HealeyI am fully aware of both considerations.