§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the effect of the fall in the value of the £ sterling on the costs of British forces in Germany; and whether he is considering proposals to deal with the situation.
§ Mr. MasonThe fall in the value of sterling against the deutschemark has contributed to the increased sterling costs of maintaining our forces in the Federal Republic of Germany. The current offset agreement with the FRG does not expire until March 1976 and the increased sterling cost is one of the many factors to be taken into account in considering any successor agreement.