§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a report on the progress of the clearance of the Suez Canal and the cost of British personnel involved in this work.
§ Mr. JuddSince it began work in April the Royal Navy Task Force assisting in the clearance of the Suez Canal has made good progress. The main force is now operating in the Great Bitter Lake and H.M.S. "Maxton" has begun clearance operations in the Bay of Suez. H.M.S. "Maxton" is the first ship to transit the Canal since 1967. Co-operation with the Egyptian and United States forces has been close and harmonious. French naval forces joined the operation recently. On the costs of the operation, I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 28th June 1974.—[Vol. 875, c.550–1.]