§ 75. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the recent weekly expenditure on the aircraft carrier and its aircraft that are to operate in South Arabian waters.
§ Mr. HealeyThe average weekly cost of operating an aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy and its aircraft throughout the world is estimated at about £150,000. 249W This includes costs of refits and maintenance.
§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now reconsider his policy of refusal to replace aircraft carriers on the grounds that they have little use in modern conditions, in view of recent events in the Middle East.
§ Mr. HealeyI would refer the hon. Member to my answers to similar questions today.