§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the cost so far to the United Kingdom exchequer of moving British forces to the Gulf area and maintaining them there, and what financial assistance in respect of them has been received from other governments.
§ The Earl of ArranThe full operating costs of the operation in the Gulf to the end of this financial year are, in current circumstances, likely to exceed £1 billion. Host nations in the Gulf, our allies in the 33WA Western European Union and other nations are providing a range of practical assistance and we are continuing to discuss what further support might be available.