HC Deb 02 February 1966 vol 723 c1075
34. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons are currently employed at the British base at Aden; and what is the total annual cost of their salaries and wages.

Mr. Mayhew

6,630 civilians, not counting the Ministry of Public Building and Works staff and the crews of Royal Fleet Auxiliaries. The total annual cost of their wages and salaries is £2,827,000.

Mr. Hooson

Does this not mean that, together with the salaries of other people and the capital costs, the base is costing a very large sum of money? Can he give a firm assurance that the matter is being considered in the Defence Review?

Mr. Mayhew

I thought that hon. Members at least knew by now that this was being considered in the Defence Review.