§ Mr. McMahonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities are available in the Falkland Islands for service men to purchase goods such as cigarettes, beer, airmail cards or items of clothing; and whether any restrictions are placed on the use of such facilities for the purchase of particular items.
§ Mr. WigginThe Royal Army Ordnance Corps/Expeditionary Force Institutes—the uniformed branch of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes—have established a number of static and mobile outlets for service men in the Falkland Islands; more are under construction. Goods available for purchase include cigarettes, beer, snacks, items of clothing, and basic toilet and stationery commodities. Free Forces aerogrammes are issued only from branches of the Forces Post Office.
Clothing items are currently confined to sweatshirts and T-shirts, underclothing, socks, handkerchiefs, tracksuits, training shoes and gym shoes. A consignment of knitwear and anoraks is already en route to Port Stanley.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages may be restricted by direction of the force commander or commanding officer in the interest of military efficiency. At present beer is limited to three cans per man per day in some outlying stations and accommodation ships. HM ships and royal fleet auxiliaries observe the normal Royal Navy rules.