§ Mr. Parryasked the Minister of State for Defence what is the cost to the Hong Kong Government of maintaining Her Majesty's Forces in the colony over the past five years to the most recent convenient date.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourDuring the period 1st April 1968 to 31st March 1971 the Hong Kong Government's average annual contribution towards the cost of maintaining Her Majesty's Forces in the colony was running at the rate of £5 million. Since 1st April 1971 the average has been £8 million.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Minister of State for Defence what has been the strength of Her Majesty's Forces stationed at Hong Kong over the past five years.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourRoyal Navy and Army force levels in Hong Kong have remained constant as follows during the past five years:
Royal Navy, one frigate and five minesweepers;
Army, two infantry battalions, three Gurkha infantry battalions, one light regiment R.A., one armoured reconnaissance squadron, one Gurkha independent field squadron;
RAF force levels have been as follows: October 1968, six Whirlwind helicopters; March 1970, 10 Whirlwind helicopters; February 1972 to date, eight Wessex helicopters. In addition a flight and section 667W of the RAF Regiment have been stationed in Hong Kong during the past five years.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the review of Her Majesty's Government's defence policy in the colony of Hong Kong.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourAlthough force levels in Hong Kong are reviewed regularly there has not been any special review of defence policy in the colony.