TNAG-0476-FCO40-541-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 72

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d.

extended ranges with particular impact on maritime

air operations. Reductions in the transport force

from a half at the Critical level to a quarter of

its present size at this level, involving a further

30 aircraft including the loss of the Belfast with

its unique capability to airlift particular bulky

loads) would seriously limit the support available

for a wide range of deployment options. Similarly

the further substantial reduction in tactical heli-

copters (some 75% of the current force would have

disappeared at this level) would severely limit the

already inadequate support for the army in this field.

Procurement Executive

To reduce from the Critical level to the First level

another 7,000 staff would have to be cut by 1978/9,

making a total of about 10,000. Further cuts would

be made in extra-mural research capital expenditure

at R & D establishment and elsewhere. The PE

resources available at HQ and R & D and other

Establishments could not cope with the design and

development and general support of certain equipment

still required at this level. By 1983/4 the R & D

base would be stabilised at about 80% of its present

size following for a rationalisation programme

costing about £20-30m and would not adequately

support more than 85% of the present number of projects.

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