HC Deb 28 November 1989 vol 162 cc197-8W
Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current number of naval and air attaches, defence and military attaches and attaches (defence) posted to British embassies.

Mr. Waldegrave

At present the total global deployment of service attachÉs and advisers at British embassies and high commissions overseas is 132. The current numbers of naval and air attachÉs, defence and military attachÉs and attachÉs (defence) posted to British embassies are eight, 16 and two respectively.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the current tours of duty of the naval and air attachÉ, the defence and military attachÉ and the attachÉ (defence) presently attached to the British embassy in Thailand began; and when they are due to end.

Mr. Sainsbury

The current naval and air attachÉ in the British embassy in Bangkok began his tour in November 1989; the defence and military attachÉ arrived in October 1988, and the attachÉ (defence) arrived in December 1988. They will leave Bangkok on the completion of their postings; it is not our practice to release details of staff movements in advance.