§ Q23. Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on the arrangements for the accommodation, social activities and welfare of armed forces personnel serving in the Falklands.
§ The Prime MinisterThe conditions under which armed forces personnel are serving in the Falkland Islands are continuously being improved. Two coastels (floating hotels) are now in position in the Falkland Islands. As well as enhancing the accommodation available, these provide personnel with the use of four squash courts and a gymnasium. A third coastel is planned which will provide another squash court and gymnasium. Other facilities for the longer term are being studied.
There is an extensive and popular TV video cassette service, and NAAFI services have been fully established. Educational facilities are available, as are some indoor entertainment facilities, and personnel also have a free postal service to the United Kingdom. Work is in hand to see whether it is possible to improve the local radio service. Some well know entertainers have visited the islands, and the public have been typically generous in their gifts.
The standard tour length has also been reduced so that, with a very few exceptions, personnel posted to the Falkland Islands serve only five months including time spent in transit.