§ Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for War what is the average length of service of an armoured car regiment with Middle East Land Forces; and what, during the last 10 years, have been the longest and shortest terms of service, respectively, of such a regiment with Middle East Land Forces.
§ Mr. SoamesApart from regiments still serving there, four armoured car regiments have completed tours of service in the Middle East since 1950. The longest stay was 40 months, the average 29 and the shortest 14. A normal tour is three years, but the short stay mentioned was due to an amalgamation of regiments. The Royal Horse Guards, who went to Cyprus in June, are expected to return in August when the island becomes independent.
§ Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for War what is the cost of equipping and transporting an armoured car regiment, serving in the United Kingdom, for service with Middle East Land Forces.
§ Mr. SoamesThe cost would depend on the circumstances of the move and the destination in the Middle East; but assuming a routine relief of an armoured car regiment in Cyprus, it would be of the order of £30,000. If, exceptionally, equipment had to be sent from the United Kingdom the total bill would be some £50,000.