HC Deb 05 July 1967 vol 749 cc1822-3
65. Sir F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the Royal Air Force base at Majunga, Madagascar, was established; for what purposes; for how long it will continue; what is its annual cost to the Exchequer; and what has been the total cost of its establishment and maintenance to date.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

There is no Royal Air Force base at Majunga. A small detachment of Shackleton aircraft was sent there in March, 1966, to assist the Royal Navy's Beira patrol by carrying out aerial surveillance of the Mozambique Straits. The additional cost of operating the aircraft from Majunga during the first year of its existence was about £175,000; and to date the total additional cost has been about £230,000. There is no plan to withdraw the detachment.

Sir F. Bennett

Can the Minister tell the House how much petrol has been prevented from reaching Rhodesia by this method which has not reached it overland by other methods? If he says there is no plan to remove this patrol at present can he say whether it will be weeks rather than months before this patrol is withdrawn?

Mr. Rees

There is no plan to withdraw it. I cannot give the figure asked for. All I know is that petrol in Rhodesia is rationed and the price has gone up. This is not wishful thinking. Petrol is rationed and has risen in price from 4s. 9d. a gallon to 6s. or 8s. a gallon.

Mr. Hastings

Has the Minister any other plans with regard to Rhodesia?

Mr. Rees

The only plans are that we would like to see the illegal régime ended, and not receiving support from hon. Members who ought to know better.

Mr. James Johnson

Will the Minister bear in mind that it might be useful if we could have some force in Madagascar in the event of possible difficulties in Mauritius due to the activities of the Opposition in the coming elections?

Mr. Rees

I do not think that that arises out of the Question.

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