HC Deb 08 June 1972 vol 838 c136W
Mr. Mudd

asked the Minister of State for Defence what, at the latest convenient date, was the total sum expended by Her Majesty's Government since the inception of the Beira Patrol; and how many alleged blockade-runners have been intercepted.

Mr. Kirk

The extra cost of operating the patrol up to April, 1972, has been about £2½ million. About 50 ships have been stopped and after inquiries allowed to proceed.