HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc450-1
43. Sir F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the aircraft carrier H.M.S. "Eagle" will be returning to the Beira sanctions' patrol; and during her absence what vessel or vessels are carrying out her duties.

Mr. Healey

I have no plans to make further use of aircraft carriers on the Beira Patrol. The patrol will continue to be carried out by destroyers or frigates and Shackleton aircraft of the Royal Air Force.

Sir F. Bennett

Where do the Shackle-ton aircraft operate from and at what cost, in terms of both cash and foreign exchange? Second, would the right hon. Gentleman care to comment on the efficiency of the present system, as petrol in Salisbury under sanctions costs rather less than petrol in England without sanctions but under his Government?

Mr. Healey

As is well known, the aircraft operate from Madagascar and have done so since the beginning of the patrol. The patrol has been totally effective for its purpose, which was to prevent any oil from reaching Rhodesia through Beira.

Mr. Paget

But now that so much oil is reaching Rhodesia from other sources that the Rhodesians can do without rationing, why should we go to the expense of maintaining this nonsense?

Mr. Healey

The overwhelming majority of my hon. Friends and at any rate members of the Liberal Opposition believe that support for a United Nations resolution of this nature is essential to the good name of this country in the world.

Mr. Hastings

Will the Secretary of State now answer my hon. Friend's question and tell us what the actual cost of the nonsense is?

Mr. Healey

I could not do so without notice, but the House will remember that I gave the figures of the cost in answer to a Question some months ago. If the hon. Gentleman wishes me to give the figures again, perhaps he will put down a Question. It raises a subject different from that of the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Judd

Will my right hon. Friend note that there are many hon. Members who resent the fact that this excellent operation, although we should like to see it extended, is described by hon. Members opposite as nonsense?

Mr. Healey

Yes, Sir.