§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will indicate in detail the number and function of all Armed Services personnel available in the Falkland Islands at the time of the invasion.
§ Mr. BlakerA detachment of 75 Royal Marines together with a small survey party of Naval personnel from HMS "Endurance" were on the Falkland Islands at the time of the invasion.
The function of the detachment was to assist the Governor of the Falkland Islands in maintaining the seat of government and to support him in his role as commander-in-chief in resisting any incursion.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the latest estimate of the number and functions of the Argentinian force which invaded the Falkland Islands.
§ Mr. BlakerI do not believe it would be in the public interest to disclose this information.
§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to keep essential personnel in the Royal Navy who would otherwise be entitled to leave the Service during the Falkland Islands operation.
§ Mr. BlakerSteps are being taken to extend the service of those Royal Navy and Royal Marine officers who are nearing the end of their commissions but who are needed for the current operation. In addition, we intend to invoke the powers under section 4 of the Armed Forces Act 1966, and under schedule 7, paragraph 4A of the Army Act 1955 to retain in service ratings of the Royal Navy and Royal Marine other ranks for a period not exceeding 12 months from the date they would otherwise be entitled to be discharged or fall to be transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve. The reason for these actions, beyond ensuring the continuance in service of all essential personnel, is to protect their status as members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces. We intend to use these powers only in the case of those who are needed for this operation, and to release them as soon as they can be spared.