HC Deb 25 October 1967 vol 751 cc479-80W
47. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what patrolling of the Mozambique Channel is still being undertaken by British ships and aircraft; what British naval and air establishments are now in the Malagasy Republic; what is the cost to date to public funds of such patrolling; and what contribution to this expense is being made by other United Nations member states applying, and supporting, sanctions against Rhodesia.

Mr. Healey

Frigates of the Royal Navy supported by Royal Fleet Auxiliaries and assisted by a small detachment of R.A.F. Shackleton aircraft have continued to patrol in the Mozambique Channel. There is no British naval establishment in the Malagasy Republic but the Shackleton detachment operates from there. The additional cost to public funds of maintaining these patrols from their inception to the end of last month is about £825,000. No contribution to these costs is made by any other country.