Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Minister of State for Defence who authorised the use of Service personnel to travel on the "QE 2" on its voyage to Israel; what were the total numbers involved; what efforts were made by his Department to persuade the Cunard Company to cancel the voyage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourMinistry of Defence security personnel have been authorised to travel on the "QE 2" by my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. For security reasons I cannot give details of the arrangements. The Ministry of Defence has not sought to persuade Cunard to cancel the voyage.
§ Dr. Stuttafordasked the Minister of State for Defence what is cost to public funds of protecting the "QE2" while in Southampton and on its journey to Israel and back.
§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the cost of security precautions undertaken by the Department in connection with the cruise to Israel of the "QE2"; and who is paying for them.
§ Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the financial arrangements between his Department and Cunard for maritime protection for the "QE2" on 130W her current voyage to and from Israel; and what will be the total cost to public funds.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourAmong the security precautions at Southampton and during the cruise of the "QE2" to and from Israel this month and next are some being taken by the Ministry of Defence, the cost of which will be recovered from Cunard. It would be contrary to the interests of security to give details since these might indicate the nature of the measures being taken.