§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present number of the Guards infantry battalion; whether it is proposed to maintain this number after the defence cuts; how many battalions are at present stationed (a) in Germany and (b) elsewhere overseas; and whether it is intended to change the pattern of their overseas deployment as a result of the defence cuts.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThere are eight guards infantry battalions, and on present plans this number is to be retained. Two guards battalions are currently stationed in Germany, one of which is temporarily redeployed to Northern Ireland, and one battalion is stationed in Hong Kong. There is no intention to change the pattern of overseas deployment of guards battalions as a result of the Defence Review, though, in common with all infantry battalions, there will be longer intervals between tours overseas other than in Germany, consequent on the reduction of our overseas commitments.