Beira Patrol

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 26 March 1969.

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Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice 12:00, 26 March 1969

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost of the blockade of Beira since its inception.

Photo of Dr David Owen Dr David Owen , Plymouth, Sutton

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 19th March to the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison),—[Vol. 780, c. 114.]

Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice

As the sum involved is a considerable amount of money, is it not a waste of time when oil reaches Rhodesia from other sources? If it is said that we must support the United Nations, why do not other nations share this futile task?

Photo of Dr David Owen Dr David Owen , Plymouth, Sutton

We do not accept that it is a futile task. We feel that the patrol has been fully effective in cutting off the most direct route for the supply of oil to Rhodesia.

Photo of Mr Edwin Brooks Mr Edwin Brooks , Bebington

Does not my hon. Friend recognise that many of us feel that it is a little purposeless simply to redirect trade via Lorenzo Marques? Is it not time to make this policy effective?

Photo of Dr David Owen Dr David Owen , Plymouth, Sutton

That is a question which should properly be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.