Military Operations, Oman

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 November 1957.

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Photo of Mr Emrys Hughes Mr Emrys Hughes , South Ayrshire 12:00, 20 November 1957

asked the Minister of Defence the cost of the recent combined military operations in Oman.

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

The best estimate available for the costs of these military operations is about £270,000.

Photo of Mr Emrys Hughes Mr Emrys Hughes , South Ayrshire

Can the Minister tell us whether the expenditure is being continued and whether the soldiers and the Air Force are still in the neighbourhood? Does not he think that he could make some arrangement by which he could collect this rather substantial sum from the oil companies instead of it having to be paid by the taxpayer?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

I do not think that is a large sum to pay for establishing confidence in Britain's word throughout Arabia and the Persian Gulf.

Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice

Will my right hon. Friend make it clear that, whatever the cost, Britain intends to support her friends and allies in that part of the world?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

I think that deeds speak for themselves.