§ 12. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence, how many British troops are now operating in Cyprus; to which units they belong; and what is the number and nature of the casualties they have sustained.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe strength of the British Army in Cyprus is today about 5,800, of which about 1,900 are part of the United Nations Force. The major units in this element consist of 1st Bn. Inniskillings, 26 Medium Regiment and two squadrons of the Life Guards.
The remaining 3,900, of which the major units are 3rd Bn. Green Jackets, 1st B. Glosters, and 33 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers are the normal Cyprus garrison.
Since the present emergency began in December, 1963, British casualties have been one killed and eight wounded.
§ Mr. HughesWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that detailed reply, may I ask him to say how long it is expected that those British troops will remain there, and if the answer be until their objective be attained, will he define what his long-term and short-term objectives are in this instance?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftNot, I think, in answer to this Question.