(DEFENCE AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE)
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(2) We consider that the presence of British Forces in Hong Kong is vital to the continued existence and the economic well being of the Colony and would regret any further alteration in the presence of British forces which might affect adversely the all-important confidence in the future of Hong Kong (paragraph 5).
(3) We consider that no further cut in the Hong Kong garrison should be contemplated (paragraph 7).
(4) We warn that there is already a substantial risk that the Gurkha brigade will fall to such a size that its viability will be questioned and that because of limitations on the use of Gurkhas, doubts may arise about the value of the retention of this economical, highly effective and valuable force. We recommend that the restriction on the areas in the world in which units of the Brigade of Gurkhas may be deployed should be re-examined (paragraph 8).
(5) We trust that the Ministry of Defence will adopt a flexible attitude to the application of the rules relating to the education of Gurkha children so that no child is deprived of the opportunity to complete his education (paragraph 10).
(6) We regret that it has been necessary to remove the frigateguard ship from Hong Kong (paragraph 12).
(7) We support the proposed move of the RAF from Kai Tak to Sek Kong (paragraph 14).
(8) We recommend that consideration should be given to the replacement of the Wessex helicopter in Hong Kong as soon as possible (paragraph 15), (9) We recommend that the arrangements for briefing Servicemen and their families on local conditions before and after arrival in Hong Kong should be kept constantly under sympathetic review (paragraph 16).
(10) We regret that it has not been possible to create a single unified civil secretariat in Hong Kong (paragraph 17).
(11) We are concerned about the adequacy of measures for the protection of Service property not only in the SBAs but also in several retained sites in Cyprus (paragraph 20).
(12) We view seriously the effective abandonment of the RAF's major role in Cyprus (paragraph 21).
(13) We consider the expenditure on UNFICYP, currently being made, a good investment and recognise the fundamental role played by British Forces in sustaining the United Nations' effort (paragraph 22).
(14) We consider that a more robust attitude might be adopted about obtaining release of remaining British aircraft at Nicosia airfield (paragraph 24).
(15) We recommend that the Government should press with urgency the matter of those claims where, if further time were to elapse, property, whether of HMG such as the Famagusta cold store or of private individuals, is likely to deteriorate (paragraph 25).
(16) We urge that the Government should insist to the Turkish Govern- ment and to the Turkish Cypriot administration that the freedom of move- ment of diplomatic staff should be unrestricted (paragraph 25).
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A 8