$
4.
5.
DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA ON SIZE AND ROLE OF HONG KONG GARRISON
PRESENT SIZE OF
GARRISON AND
DEFENCE COSTS
AGREEMENT
-2-
It is for HMG, in consultation
with the Hong Kong Government,
to determine the size and role
of the Hong Kong garrison
taking account of all the
relevant factors, including our ́
assessment of the internal and
external threats to the security
of Hong Kong.
· Under the Defence Costs
Agreement which came into effect
on 1 April 1976 and which runs
initially for 7 years, the
garrison consists of 4 infantry
battalions, an engineer
squadron, an RAF Wessex heli-
copter squadron and 5 naval
patrol craft. The Hong Kong
Government paid 50% of the
costs in 1976/77, will pay 621%
of the costs in the current
financial year end 75% there-
after. At LTC 77 prices the
garrison is estimated to cost
£50m a year.