§ Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the strength of British naval, air and military forces east of Suez at the present time; what is the annual cost; and if he will compare the present figure with that of five and 10 years ago, respectively.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe total strength of British forces stationed east of Suez on 1st April 1976 was 12,653. Over 70 per cent. of this figure represents the Hong Kong garrison and over half the total number are Gurkhas and locally enlisted personnel. The foreign exchange cost in the current financial year is estimated to be £31 million. Comparative figures for April 1971 and April 1966 were 41,260 and 98,036 and £57 million and £123 million, respectively.