§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the annual cost to the United Kingdom of the Joint British-United States Naval Research Establishment in the Bahamas in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967; and how many qualified scientists and other personnel are employed there by Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. MasonI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre in the Bahamas. Under arrangements which have been previously described to the House, we make payments at the annual rate of £150,000. In addition, £154,000 was spent on the purchase of land during this period. The remaining cost of establishing, constructing and maintaining the centre will be met by the United States Government. There is one Royal Naval liaison officer at the establishment.