§ 26. Mr. Jacksonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what economies he proposes to make in the cost of maintaining the Hong Kong garrison in the furtherance of the defence review.
§ Mr. HealeyWe are examining all our overseas commitments during the defence review, but I cannot yet make any statement about the Hong Kong garrison.
§ Mr. JacksonWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind, when he is conducting this review, the danger of the Hong Kong garrison becoming too large in relation to the trip-wire theory, whereas it can never be large enough to deal with any major land onslaught?
§ Mr. HealeyMy hon. Friend can be assured that I have this very much in mind.
§ Mr. AllasonSince the highest rate of Income Tax in Hong Kong is 2s. 6d. in the £, would the Secretary of State convey to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies that it might be a good idea for the Hong Kong Government to cut their budget cloth according to their defence commitments?
§ Mr. HealeyI am far from indifferent to the consideration which the hon. Gentleman has put forward, but it is only fair to point out that the Hong Kong Government are contributing £1½ million a year towards the cost of our forces and have agreed to pay up to a further £6 million for Army and R.A.F. works projects in the Colony spread over six years. These contributions are appreciated.