§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence how long was taken to fly one company of Royal Marine Commandos to the West Indies during the recent reinforcement exercise; and what was the cost incurred.
§ Mr. ReynoldsThree days 6 hours 26 minutes. The aircraft involved were carrying out a task within their normal allotment of flying hours and any figure of cost for the utilisation of aircraft would not be meaningful. Additional cost of £465 on meals and accommodation for the 50 passengers and crew, as well as ground handling charges for the292W aircraft, resulted from an unscheduled diversion involving an overnight stop.
§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider the use of the British Overseas Airways Corporation or private airline charter aircraft in future for operations such as the recent transport of Royal Marine Commandos to the West Indies, where speed is considered the most important factor.
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe recent deployment of Royal Marine Commandos was not an exercise to test the speed of deployment, but was a small training detachment of no special priority. Air Support Command have adequate capacity to meet exercise commitments. There is, therefore, no need to make arrangements with B.O.A.C. or private charter companies.
§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the present arrangements for air reinforcement of token British forces overseas from the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ReynoldsYes. Air Support Command maintain at appropriate states of readiness the aircraft necessary to meet contingencies overseas.