§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May 1999,Official Report, column 19, on the Falklands garrison, what is the strategic reason for maintaining a garrison in the Falklands; and if he will make a statement. [84899]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonOur garrison on the Falkland Islands is a demonstration of the Government's commitment to ensure the security of the Falkland Islands and to uphold the right of the Islanders to determine their own future. We will continue to provide a garrison comprising air, and land sea assets, backed up by the capability to reinforce if necessary.