§ 11. Mr. Torneyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimate of the total cost of fighting the Falkland Islands war, of replacing all equipment, ships and aircraft lost, and of maintaining a garrison in the South Atlantic for the foreseeable future.
§ Mr. NottThe total estimated cost of the operation to repossess the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Southern Thule, including the maintenance of our forces up to the end of September and the replacement of lost equipment and replenishment of stocks, is estimated to be about £700 million this year with a further £900 million spread over the next three years with some smaller sums thereafter. Final decisions on the size of the garrison have not yet been taken, but an additional £424 million has been provided for next year to cover garrison costs, including capital expenditure.