§ Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current estimated cost of keeping an aircraft carrier on station in the Far East; what is the current estimated cost of keeping a force of three carriers with one permanently deployed in the Far East; and 141W how much is included in these figures by way of escort vessels, aircraft, support ships, fuel, dockyards, air stations, training establishments, spares, stores, civilian workers, pay and married quarters.
§ Dr. David OwenI regret that the detailed information requested is not readily available.
However the hon. Member will be aware that in the Statement on Defence Estimates 1966 the capital and running costs of an aircraft carrier force limited to three ships through the 1970s were put at some £1,400 million over the 10-year period 1966–67—1975–76. At current prices this could represent around £1,700 million.
A list of the items making up this estimate was set out in a reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Buckinghamshire, South (Mr. Ronald Bell), on 2nd March, 1966. They included the items specified in the Question, except the cost of escorts and married quarters, and in addition the capital cost of a new aircraft carrier and additional aircraft.—[Vol. 725, c. 297–8.]