OFFICIAL REPORT
DATR
22/2/77..
ORAL/CAT
ONS
926
cct. 1216-1217
COL
Hong Kong (Military Garrison)
18. Mr. Hooley asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions have been held recently with the Government of Hong Kong concerning payment for the British military garrison.
Dr. Gilbert: There have been no such discussions since my right hon. Friend answered a Question on this subject from my hon. Friend on 9th November 1976.
Mr. Hooley: Does my hon. Friend agree that it is a military absurdity to keep any garrison in Hong Kong? If even that is not recognised, does he not agree that it is absurd that the British tax- payer should pay for the garrison?
Dr. Gilbert: I cannot agree with the first part of my hon. Friend's proposition. I am sure that he will be aware that my predecessor negotiated an extremely favourable arrangement with the Hong Kong Government, under which they will be contributing 50 per cent. of the cost in 1976-77, 621 per cent. in the following year and 75 per cent. in the year after
that.