HC Deb 31 January 1995 vol 253 c561W
21. Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the defence of the Falkland Islands.

Mr. Soames

The British Government are committed to defending the right of the Falkland Islanders to determine their own future. As long as Argentina maintains its claim to the Falkland Islands, the United Kingdom will keep forces there to deter, and if necessary counter, any possible aggression. Force levels are kept under review and, if the need arises, can be reinforced at very short notice using the airfield at Mount Pleasant.