§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the cost to date of the British Police Mission to the Government of South Viet-Nam; what proportion of the cost is borne by Her Majesty's Government; and what is the planned expenditure on this service during the remainder of this financial year.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThere is no British Police Mission to Viet-Nam. I assume the hon. Gentleman is referring to the British Advisory Mission.
235WThis Mission, since its inception in October, 1961, until June, 1963, has cost Her Majesty's Government £94,216.
Her Majesty's Government meet the whole cost of the Mission, except for a part of the accommodation and travelling expenses which are paid by the Vietnamese Government.
In the current financial year, provision has already been made for £50,000, covering the first six months of the year only and corresponding to what was the anticipated life of the Mission. It has now been decided to extend the Mission's life until March, 1965. Consequently further provision will be necessary. Supplementary Estimates will therefore be presented for £27,000 to cover the remainder of the current financial year. This sum will include a small amount for items of capital assistance. Meanwhile advances will be made as necessary from the Civil Contingencies Fund.