HC Deb 23 February 1982 vol 18 cc739-40
11. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if any recent changes have been made in the deployment of United Kingdom forces on the Isle of Man.

Mr. Wiggin

No, Sir.

Mr. Foulkes

What is the nature of the agreement between the United Kingdom Government and the Manx Government that enables us to station 11 RAF personnel on that island and at the same time to recruit Manx residents into the United Kingdom forces?

Mr. Wiggin

I find nothing extraordinary in that simple arrangement. The British Government are responsible for the defence of the Isle of Man. The Manx Government pay 2.5 per cent. of their share of revenues from the Customs and Excise agreement towards the cost of their defence, which in 1980–81 was no less than £680, 000.