§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total financial cost of the United Kingdom's commitment to the Falkland Islands since 1979.
§ Mr. SoamesThe cost of the Falklands commitment to Defence Votes between 1982–83 and 1993–94 was some £3.7 billion at outturn prices, equivalent to £6.0 billion at 1993–94 prices. This covers the estimated costs of maintaining the Falkland Islands garrison as well as campaign costs and the replacement, where appropriate, of equipment and stores lost or consumed during the campaign. Costs other than defence costs, and costs prior to 1982–83, are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.