HC Deb 08 April 1970 vol 799 cc532-3
20. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many white ensign ships and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries are now east of Suez; and what is the total cost to the Defence Estimates.

Dr. David Owen

It is not the practice to disclose details of the area deployment of H.M. ships and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries. The running cost of ships and their local shore support east of Suez in 1970–71 is expected to be of the order of £40 million.

Mr. Wall

Is that figure based on the Defence Estimates, or on the slice method by which his right hon. Friend sought to cost the Opposition's defence policy?

Dr. Owen

It is based on the Defence Estimates.

Mr. Leslie Huckfield

Will my hon. Friend say what would be the cost of the Opposition's plans for defence east of Suez?

Dr. Owen

In the specific context of the Navy, I would need time to answer that, but we have estimated anything between £200 million and £300 million overall.