HC Deb 24 June 1974 vol 875 cc331-2W
Mr. Michael Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans exist for visits by ships of the Royal Navy to the Falkland Islands in the next six months.

Mr. William Rodgers

It is not our practice to reveal details of future operations by Her Majesty's ships although HMS "Endurance" normally visits the Falkland Islands in the course of her annual survey programme in the Antarctic.

Mr. Michael Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider the use of part of the Falkland Islands for training areas for British artillery and engineering units.

Mr. William Rodgers

The very limited facilities in the Falkland Islands would make it exceptionally difficult to mount a training exercise there and there is no military requirement to do so at the present time.

Mr. Michael Clark Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many regular British Army or Marine units are stationed in the Falkland Islands.

Mr. William Rodgers

A Royal Marines detachment is based in the Falkland Islands. There are no British Army units there at present.