§ Mr. Ennalsasked the Prime Minister what inquiries she has made concerning the living conditions of British troops of 63 Squadron Royal Air Force on the Falkland Islands outlined to her by the right hon. Member for Norwich, North in his letter of 17 July; what action has been taken to improve the situation; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI have established that 63 Squadron RAF Regiment has to live in tents because of its operational role, which is to man Rapier batteries deployed around the perimeters of Port Stanley airfield. Nearly all the other troops in the garrison are accommodated either in ships or in buildings. The full range of special protective clothing and bedding is available and additional Arctic clothing is provided for those in particularly exposed positions. Food is of good quality. Everything possible is being done to improve the situation. On 22 July prefabricated accommodation for 3,000 people arrived in the Falkland Islands. I have written to the right hon. Gentleman setting out the position in more detail.