§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has of the annual cost of(a) paying and (b) equipping the forces stationed in the Falkland Islands; what estimate he has of annual transport costs; and what estimate he has of the cost in the current financial year of (i) new building and equipment, (ii) maintenance and (ii) staffing on Ascension Island.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe additional cost to the Defence budget of maintaining a garrison in the Falkland Islands in 1987–88 is £141 million. This includes all extra costs relating to the Falklands garrison, whether the costs are incurred on the islands themselves or elsewhere, such as Ascension. It excludes those personnel, equipment and other costs which would be incurred in the absence of the Falklands commitment; these are not identifiable without disproportionate cost and effort.