Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost of the defence of the Falkland Islands since the end of the conflict; and what percentage of the expenditure involved represents payments to United Kingdom-based contractors in respect of construction works and so on.
§ Mr. FreemanThe additional cost of maintaining a garrison in the Falkland Islands from April 1983 to the end of the last financial year is estimated to be £1,544 million (including campaign costs in 1982–83 but excluding residual campaign costs subsequently). Approximately one third of this amount has been spent on capital works projects. The placing and management of works contracts is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimate of the annual cost of defending the Falklands.
§ Mr. FreemanThe additional cost of maintaining a garrison in the Falkland Islands in 1988–89 is estimated to be £97 million. This includes all extra costs relating to the Falklands garrison; it excludes residual campaign costs, and those personnel, equipment and other costs which would be incurred in the absence of the Falklands commitment.