§ 21. Sir F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost to the Exchequer in terms of cash and foreign exchange, respectively, of the maintenance of the Majunga air base in Malagasy during the last 12 months, and since its inception.
§ 37. Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost to the Exchequer of the Royal Air Force installations and operations from Malagasy in connection with the Rhodesian policies of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. John MorrisExtra costs, in budgetary terms, of operating the detachment of Shackleton aircraft at Majunga have amounted to about £360,000 in the last year and about £920,000 all together. In foreign exchange terms the two figures are £176,000 and £500,000.
§ Sir F. BennettIrrespective of the wider policies involved in whether we should have sanctions, can the Minister say how long Her Majesty's Government will continue to justify a policy which involves the spending of money to this extent on preventing petrol from going through Beira when it goes through Lourenco Marques just the same to supply the Rhodesians with all they want and when they can buy petrol in Salisbury more cheaply than it can be bought in this country?
§ Mr. MorrisThe policy will continue so long as it is needed.
§ 25. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the blockade of Portuguese ports in Mozambique and air operations from the territories of the Malagasy Republic.
§ Mr. John MorrisI have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Hastings) on 7th May.—[Vol. 783, c. 87.]
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonAs this costly charade is supposed to be in furtherance of an international policy of sanctions, how much money, or assistance, has been contributed by any other member of the United Nations?
§ Mr. MorrisI cannot answer that question without notice. The additional cost to public funds of our patrol has been £1,500,000 and, in accordance with the United Nations resolution, our contribution has been successful.
§ Mr. James JohnsonIs my hon. Friend aware that we on these benches would wish him to intensify the blockade and step up sanctions against the Smith régime in Rhodesia?
§ Mr. MorrisMy hon. Friend will know that that question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I shall raise the matter again.