HC Deb 13 March 1984 vol 56 c276
19. Mr. Soames

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average tour of duty for an infantry regiment in the Falkland Islands.

Mr. Stanley

The average tour of duty for an infantry battalion is five months, including transit time.

Mr. Soames

Will my hon. Friend take time today to thank our fighting troops in the Falklands, who do a marvellous job? Does he agree that the quicker we can arrive at a just, honourable and lasting peace with Argentina and bring the troops home, the better it will be?

Mr. Stanley

I am glad to join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the forces of all three services in the Falkland Islands. It is the Government's wish that the Argentine Government should bring about a long-delayed but much-needed cessation of hostilities.