§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what military threat is currently posed to the integrity of the Falkland Islands and to the British forces defending them.
§ Mr. StanleyThe threat is that represented by Argentina's military capabilities on land, sea and air, coupled with the fact that the Argentine Government have not formally declared a cessation of hostilities, although we have noted recent Argentine statements that they intend to pursue their claim by peaceful means.
§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the highest rent charged by the Falkland Islands (Coalite) Company for the use of its buildings by his Department;
(2) how much money has been paid to the Falkland Islands (Coalite) Company for goods and services since August 1982;
(3) what goods and services are currently purchased by his Department from the Falkland Islands (Coalite) Company.
§ Mr. StanleyI shall write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the present condition of RAF Stanley airstrip; what was the cost of achieving such condition; and what is the estimate of its future life.
§ Mr. StanleyThe airstrip at RAF Stanley consists of AM2 matting, laid by the Royal Engineers following the recapture of the Falklands in 1982. It is not our practice to reveal contract prices. With constant maintenance, the runway is kept in good condition and will continue to meet the requirement until the new Mount Pleasant airfield is in full operation.
§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost for the current financial year of the Royal Air Force establishment on the Falklands, including air defence.
§ Mr. Stanley[pursuant to his answer, 15 March 1984, c. 214]: The breakdown of the running costs of the Falklands garrison into its individual components is classified. However, the total running costs of the garrison in 1983–84, excluding capital works and equipment, but including the running costs of the airbridge, is estimated at some £180 million.
§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians are employed by his Department in the Falkland Islands; and what are their duties.
§ Mr. Stanley[pursuant to his answer, 20 March 1984, c. 384]: There are 15 United Kingdom based civilians 617W employed in the Falkland Islands supporting the British garrison. They provide administrative, financial and technical advice to the Commander British Forces.
In addition, there are three locally entered civilians—a typist, a cleaner and a handyman.