HC Deb 13 February 1963 vol 671 c208W
91 and 92. Mr. Godman Irvine

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty (1) what were the terms on which two minesweepers were transferred to Libya;

(2) on what terms the British Naval Mission was appointed to Libya; and what is its annual cost.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on 23rd November, 1962, Her Majesty's Government have agreed to assist the Libyan Government to form a navy. To this end, H.M. ships "Greetham" and "Harpham" have been made available to the Libyan Government pending a decision about the settlement of the financial arrangements, and a naval mission has been sent to Libya.

The cost of the mission is expected to be about £45,000 a year, which will be met by Her Majesty's Government.