HC Deb 04 November 1969 vol 790 cc88-9W
Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the extra costs of the British Army of the Rhine consequent upon the revaluation of the German mark.

Mr. Healey

The cost of the British Army of the Rhine is expected to increase by some 4 to 5 per cent. in a full year as a result of revaluation of the Deutschmark. Foreign exchange costs are expected to rise by about 8 per cent. in a full year.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the saving in foreign currency by holding in reserve in Great Britain or in Ulster the British troops now stationed in Europe, and of the consequential benefits accruing to the local economy upon the transfer of their purchasing power from Germany to the home market.

Mr. Healey

None. We have no plans for reducing the number of British forces stationed in Germany.

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