HONG KONG GARRISON (Hansard, 19 July 1993)

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Cranborne)

Broad plans have now been finalised for the withdrawal of the Hong Kong garrison by 30th June 1997. Units of all three services—the Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force will remain in Hong Kong until then. The garrison will however continue to reduce in stages over the period, as local forces assume responsibility for its former operational tasks. In the latter part of 1994, the 1st Battalion the Black Watch will return to the UK and the two Gurkha battalions will merge to form the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles. One battalion will remain in Hong Kong until June 1997. The strength of logistic and other supporting units will be reduced in line with that of front-line units. The three Royal Navy patrol craft presently in Hong Kong will remain until 1997. Royal Air Force helicopters will also remain in Hong Kong until 1997, although their numbers may be reduced. The plans mean that for the final two years of British sovereignty, the garrison will be about 3,000 strong. It will comprise a headquarters, an infantry battalion group, logistic support, naval patrol craft and Royal Air Force helicopters.