§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the projected costs of the deployment of troops in the middle east, arising out of Iraq's invasion of684W Kuwait and associated costs (a) to the present time and (b) to the end of the financial year, assuming that full-scale war has not taken place or an early resolution of the dispute has been reached; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe full costs to date of the operation in the middle east, arising out of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, including commitments for equipment purchases, is estimated to be £300 million. On the assumption that the operation continues at the present level, without hostilities, the full cost to the end of the financial year is expected to exceed £600 million.
§ Mr. DouglasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he has made to inform British service men serving in the current operations in the Gulf of the circumstances in which they will be exempt from paying poll tax.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonInformation about the community charge has already been made known to all members of the armed forces and covers the circumstances under which they may apply for deregistration. Individuals should therefore, have sufficient information to enable them to make appropriate arrangements, although they can seek advice on specific points from administration officers at the main locations and on board ships. The guidance will, however, be repeated in financial instructions being produced for Army units and personnel who may deploy in future.