HC Deb 14 March 1988 vol 129 cc489-90W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations there have been with the United States armed forces in preparation for operation Fire Focus.

Mr. Ian Stewart

Exercise Fire Focus is a United Kingdom national exercise to practise the reinforcement of the Falkland Islands. There was therefore no need to consult the armed forces of the United States or any other foreign country in preparation for it.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the troops involved in Exercise Fire Focus are normally based in the Falklands.

Mr. Ian Stewart

Troops of the existing Falklands garrison are of course not part of the reinforcement, but will participate in a joint-force exercise and limited training exercises in the Falklands once the Fire Focus reinforcement is complete. It would not be in the interests of security to comment on the size of the garrison.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of(a) Royal Air Force, (b) Army and (c) Royal Naval personnel involved in Exercise Fire Focus in the Falklands.

Mr. Ian Stewart

The military personnel being sent to the Falkland Islands in Exercise Fire Focus number fewer than 1,000, mostly from the Army. It would not be in the interests of security to reveal detailed numbers.