TNAG-0616-FCO40-764-Policy-of-UK-on-status-of-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 237

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19 DECEMBER 1975

this year that, as a result of the Defence Review, we would be making some reductions in the Hong Kong garrison and would be seeking from the Hong Kong Government a larger share of us cost when the present cost-sharing agree- ment, which expires in 1976, was re-ne- gotiated. Following my recent visit to Hong Kong, during which I held negotia- tions on this subject with the Hong Kong Government. I informed the House on 6th November-Oipcial Repurt. Vol. 899, c. 270-1[—that agreement had been reached between the two Goverancats on the size of the future garr1900.

As a result of continued acgulations, including further meetings with the Governor of Hong Kong in London, agreement has been reached on the future cost-sharing arrangements. Under the new Agreement, which comes wito effect on 1st April 1976, the Hong Kong Gov- ernment will meet 50 per cent of the cost of the garrison in the first year, 62 per cem in the second year, and 75 per cent. in the third and succeeding years, the balance being found by the Unued Kingdom Government The Agreement, which contains arrangements for reflect- ing changes in price levels, will run for seven years in the first instance and will be renewed for further periods of five 'years on the same terms unless either

Government wish to vary them.

The Agreement provides for the release for civil use, without compensation, of land and buildings no lager required by the British Services. In particular, the United Kingdom Government have under- taken to release land currently occupiedt by the Services at RAF Kai Tak and at Victoria Barracks. This land, which is owned by the Hong Kong Government, .will be released during the financial years 1977-78 and 1973-79. subject to the necessary Service facilites being repro- vided elsewhere by the Hong Kong Government.

This Agreement is in the interest of both Governments. For the United Kingdom it will provide a valuable coa- tribution to the defence budget and for Hong Kong the assurance of a conunued Briüsh garrison.

Publications (Free Copies)

Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for Defence what pubica- tions for free issue to secuoes of the public

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Wrisson AnSWORT

are produced by his Departmsal; and what is the total annual cust of the educa- tional work done to propagate Great Britan's defence policies, nauwly, mees- ings, lectures, free literature, Press adverts,

etc.

Mr. Mason : Apart from recruiting and similar literature, the only free publica. tions issued to the public are the

Defence pamphlet and Our Contri bution to the Price of Peace". They cost in total about £2,750 to produce.

The purpose of other educational work, of the kind mentioned in the Question, a to encourage recruiting or to provide information about the Services and their rôle within the Government's overall defence policy.

Scotland

Mrs. Bain asked the Secretary of State for Defence bow many civilians are employed on defence installations in Scot- land

Mr. Wiliam Rodgers: Including the Royal Ordnance Factories, the number of MOD civilians employed at installations in Scotland is 22,700.

Mrs. Bain asked the Secretary of Stato for Delence how many Service personcel are employed in defence installations in Scotland.

Mr. William Rodgers : On 30th Septem- ber 1975 a total of 17,673 members of the Armed Forces were stationed Scotland.

Departmental Staff

Mr. Nott asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a break- down by function and Vote of the stat employed by his Department

Mr. William Rødgers: I would refer the non. Member to Annex B of the State- ment of Deience Estimates 1975 (Cmnd. 5976) for the breakdown by function and to the Supply Estimates 1975-76 Class i Defence for the breakdown by Vole.

Mr. Welsh asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons in bis Department receive educational allow. ances in respect of their children; and what is the total sum involved.