HC Deb 03 August 1966 vol 733 c456
25. Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimated monthly cost of the Royal Air Force airlift to and from Zambia; and what is the total cost so far, up to the latest date for which figures are available.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

About £400,000 and £2.6 million up to the middle of last month.

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

Does not this huge unproductive expenditure point to the bankruptcy of the Government's policy of sanctions against Rhodesia? Will the hon. Gentleman urge his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to grant legal independence to Rhodesia now?

Mr. Rees

With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, "No". With regard to the second part, very much "No".

Mr. Whitaker

Will my hon. Friend remind hon. Members opposite that principle can have no price put upon it? Will he ask them to make the best economy by their telling their friends in Salisbury to stop their illegal adventure?