§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of maintaining the Bahamas patrol; and how much of this is borne directly or indirectly by the Government of the Bahamas.
§ Mr. HealeyI assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the naval forces employed on the Bahamas patrol. This task is carried out by H.M. ships which also have other duties. It is not practicable to isolate the costs attributable to their periods of service on the Bahamas patrol. No contribution is made by the Government of the Bahamas towards the cost of this force.