§ 25. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Defence what action he is taking to reduce the foreign exchange costs of keeping British troops in the Federal Republic of Germany.
27. Mr. loan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Defence what further consideration has been given to the costs of the British Army of the Rhine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyThe costs of British forces in Germany are kept under constant review and economies are made wherever possible. We remain in touch with the Federal German Government about the offset problem and we hope for an early solution.
§ 26. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the latest figures available for the cost of British forces in the Federal Republic of Germany; what numbers are involved; how many German civilians are currently employed in connection with these forces; 658W and what progress has been made in obtaining an agreement for adequate offset arrangements by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.
§ Mr. MulleyWe maintain BAOR, numbering some 55,000 men, and a tactical air force in Germany, supported by about 28,000 locally employed civilians. Excluding equipment, the estimated budgetary costs of British forces in Germany in 1976–77 are about £605 million, of which about two-thirds is in foreign exchange. We remain in touch with the Federal German Government about the offset problem and we hope for an early solution.
§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will invite the North Atlantic Council to review the financial conditions on which United Kingdom formations are maintained on the mainland of Europe.
§ Mr. MulleyI have no plans to do so.