Defence

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 March 1970.

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Photo of Mr Bonner Pink Mr Bonner Pink , Portsmouth South 12:00, 4 March 1970

The figures are in the White Paper—£6½ million each and 2,150 men each, a total of £13 million and 4,300 men. On the other hand, the figures in the White Paper for the R.A.F. give a total of £61 million for overseas headquarter and stations, together with general support of radar communications and other base facilities, with 17,000 servicemen and just under 10,000 civilians. The number of these stations and their locations is not given, but what is their capital cost and the total cost of transporting personnel? How many carriers would be needed to replace these stations east of Suez.

I am sure that, if this matter were properly investigated, the Minister would find that the carriers would be a far more economical and effective way of providing a presence there, if necessary as an insurance after withdrawal, if we do withdraw, than the present situation.