§ 13. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of sending reinforcements from the United Kingdom to the Hong Kong garrison; and who will bear that cost.
§ Mr. PymThe estimated cost of the reinforcements to the Hong Kong garrison is some £25 million for a 12-month period. This includes the cost of movement from the United Kingdom and Brunei. The proportion of these costs which will be borne by the Hong Kong Government is under discussion.
§ Mr. HooleyIs it not time for us to end this stupid charade of maintaining a military garrison 10,000 miles away in a Chinese city? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if any conflict arose the Chinese could turn off the water for the whole of Hong Kong at the turn of a tap?
§ Mr. PymHer Majesty's Government are responsible for Hong Kong's external defence and its internal security. It is in response to that responsibility that we have recently sent reinforcements.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the speedy dispatch of British soldiers and the firm and humane way in which they have operated in a difficult situation in Hong Kong commands the admiration of the House and the British public?
§ Mr. PymI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments. It is true that the reinforcements went to Hong Kong quickly and that the battalions already there and the reinforcement battalion have been fully and effectively deployed in difficult work. The Governor and Government of Hong Kong are as appreciative as I am sure the House is of the contribution made by our Services in Hong Kong.