HC Deb 26 October 1999 vol 336 cc765-6W
Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Falkland Islanders have enlisted in HM armed forces in each year since 1981. [95312]

Mr. Spellar

Data readily available indicate thatNaval Service: since 1996, no Falkland Islanders have enlisted as ratings; Army: since 1986, two Falkland Islanders have enlisted, joining in 1994–95 on Short Service Engagements; RAF: since 1981, no Falkland Islander has enlisted.

In the case of the Naval Service and the Army, information prior to the dates indicated could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Falkland Islanders are currently serving in each service of HM armed forces. [95313]

Mr. Spellar

Data readily available indicate that there are no Falkland Islanders currently serving in the Naval Service, Army or RAF.

Mr. Connarty

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on force levels in the Falkland Islands. [96090]

Mr. Hoon

The Government remain firmly committed to the defence of the Falkland Islands and the right of the Islanders to determine their own future. There are no plans to make changes to the front line strength of our forces stationed there. We have concluded however that minor adjustments can be made to some elements of the Falklands garrison without diminishing our ability to ensure the security of the Islands. These adjustments will reduce the number of service men and service women stationed there by around 100. The first of these adjustments, the withdrawal of a contingent of Royal Engineers, took place in early September. The remaining changes will be implemented over the coming months. These changes are a further demonstration of this Government's efforts to ease the burden on the armed forces where at all possible.