HL Deb 06 December 1983 vol 445 cc1078-9WA
Baroness Vickers

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What costs would arise if the Falkland Islands Garrison were stationed in the United Kingdom or Germany, not in the Falkland Islands.

Lord Trefgarne

A high proportion of the day-to-day expenditure on items such as pay, food and training for the Falklands garrison would be incurred whether the servicemen concerned were in the Falklands or not.

Baroness Vickers

asked Her Majesty's Government:

By how much the cost of garrisoning the Falkland Islands will be reduced after the new airport is opened.

Lord Trefgarne

Once the new airfield is operational, we expect to save some £25 million a year at current prices on movements. Details of these savings were reported in evidence to the House of Commons Defence Committee (H.C. 154 of 12th May 1983, page 225). Any change in the size of the garrison as a result of the opening of the airport will of course have to be considered in the context of the wider Falklands situation nearer the time.