HC Deb 05 February 1987 vol 109 cc798-9W
Mr. Best

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the provision of air defence for commando forces.

Mr. Stanley

Our commando forces are equipped with their own point air defence capability, and depending on the deployment option and other circumstances, could also call on air defence cover from the assets of the amphibious group or from Allied land-based aircraft.

Additionally, as I announced in the House on 1 July 1986, at column 916, financial provision has been made in our forward plans for a Rapier battery for the United Kingdom/Netherlands landing force, although this does not yet represent a firm commitment.