HC Deb 15 November 1966 vol 736 cc74-5W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost of the movements, administration, fuelling and servicing of the Javelin Squadron from the time they were sent to Zambia to the time they were withdrawn.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The additional cost to the Royal Air Force arising from the deployment to Zambia of the Javelin air defence force and its supporting units between the first week of December, 1965, and the end of August, 1966, is estimated to have been about £2.8 million. This figure takes account of the additional costs incurred in moving these units to and from Zambia, in keeping them supplied by air, in flying in fuel for the Javelin aircraft, in meeting certain costs arising locally and in paying extra allowances to personnel. The basic costs to the R.A.F. of operating and servicing the Javelin aircraft, of the personnel and equipment of the supporting units and of certain support flying undertaken within normal transport flying rates are not included, since these would have been incurred regardless of the Zambia commitment.