HC Deb 06 May 1966 vol 727 cc160-2W
Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many requests have so far been received by his Department from British, Commonwealth, and bona fide foreign correspondents, respectively, for facilities to visit Her Majesty's Ships on patrol in the Mozambique Channel; and how many such requests have been approved to date;

(2) what representations he has received to date from the three Service Departments to permit the dissemination of information by Press, television, radio and newsreel agencies on the professional aspects of the work of the British forces in connection with the present Rhodesian situation; and if he will make a statement, in view of the concern in all three services, about the policy of Her Majesty's Government on this matter.

Mr. Healey

Extensive facilities have been afforded for Press, broadcasting and television authorities to report on the work of the British forces in Zambia. Five requests to visit H.M. ships and R.A.F. detachments operating in the Mozambique Channel area were refused for operational reasons.

I am glad to say there has been much excellent publicity for the first-class work of all the British forces taking part.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many miles have so far been logged, and over what period, by Her Majesty's Ships "Eagle" and "Ark Royal" since they were ordered to carry out patrols in the Mozambique Channel.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I regret that precise figures of the number of miles covered on these patrols since they were ordered in early March are not readily available.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many vessels have so far been investigated in the Mozambique Channel by Royal Air Force Shackleton aircraft operating from the Malagasy Republic;

(2) how many vessels have so far been investigated in the Mozambique Channel by Fleet Air Arm aircraft.

Mr. Healey

Complete surveillance cover has been provided by R.N./R.A.F. forces deployed in the Mozambique Channel. It would be undesirable to disclose precise details of how these operations have been carried out.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the longest period of time so far spent continuously at sea by any of Her Majesty's Ships in the Mozambique Channel during the current patrol activity there.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalien

H.M.S. "Eagle" has spent 46 days continuously on patrol in the Mozambique Channel, in the course of 71 days spent continuously at sea.

Captain Kerby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been made to him to permit the payment of local overseas allowances to Royal Air Force personnel in Zambia; and what action has been taken, in view of the payment of a £5 daily bonus to crews of civil aircraft chartered by Her Majesty's Government to carry oil and stores to Zambia.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Local overseas allowance is paid to Service personnel, serving abroad in the course of duty, in respect of the essential extra cost, as compared with the United Kingdom, of maintaining a reasonable standard of living; and it has accordingly been paid to Royal Air Force personnel serving in Zambia since their first arrival there. The rates for Zambia are being reviewed in the light of present circumstances.