§ 39. Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the part being played by British Service men in the current phase of military operations undertaken by forces of the Sultan of Oman.
§ Mr. MasonVolunteers from the British Services on loan to the Government of Oman are fully integrated into the Sultan's forces; and some are taking part in operations against the Dhofar rebels. In addition, members of the British Army Training Team and the Royal Engineer detachment in Oman provide training and engineer support for the forces taking part in operations.
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§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many British Service men are currently serving in Oman; how many have their salaries paid by the Omani Government; and how many have their salaries paid by the British Government.
§ Mr. Mason206 members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces are currently serving on loan with the Sultan of Oman's armed forces. In addition, a limited number of Her Majesty's Forces are deployed in Dhofar in support of the Sultan's forces. It is not the practice to give details of operational deployments. 523 members of Her Majesty's Forces are serving on the Royal Air Force staging post on Masirah Island and four are serving on the permanent staff of Her Majesty's Embassy, Muscat.
The salaries of the personnel on loan are met by the Sultanate and the basic salaries of the other British Service personnel in Oman are paid by the British Government.