HC Deb 07 December 1966 vol 737 cc1336-7
14. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Postmaster-General what will be the final cost of the submarine cable to be laid between England, Portugal and South Africa; and what proportions of the costs will be borne by the other countries.

Mr. Edward Short

The United Kingdom-Portugal cable will cost about £5 million which we shall bear in full. The Portugal-South Africa cable is a South African project the cost of which will be borne by that country. Exchanges of traffic rights in the two cables will cost us about another £5 million net, for the life of the cables.

Mr. Pavitt

In view of the help and co-operation which we have given to these two countries in this project which will help their economy, would my right hon. Friend seek some help and co-operation from them in relation to our economy and the problem of Rhodesia?

Mr. Short

This is not a question for me and it is not related to this Question.