TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 82

PQ 1591B

MR PETER WALKER (WORCESTER)

Mr Peter Walker:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the existing size of British forces in Hong Kong and the size of the reduction he comtemplates as a result of his statement of 3 December.

ANSWER

At present the Hong Kong Garrison consists of five infantry

battalions, an artillery regiment, an armoured car and engineer

squadron, a frigate and patrol boats, a squadron of helicopters

and appropriate support. I cannot comment on our proposed

consultations

reductions in advance of discussions with the Hong Kong

Government.