TNAG-0658-FCO40-807-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-1977 — Page 243

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19 DECEMBER 1973

Written AnSWERE 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 its 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--(Official Report. Vol 899, c. 270-1[—that agreement had been reached between the two Governnials on the size of the future garrison.

As a result of continued negotiations, including further meetings with the Governor of Hong Kong in London. agreement has been reached on the future cost-sharing arrangements. Under the new Agreeme:t, which comes into effect on 1st April 1976, the Hong Kong Gov- eramcat will meet 50 per cent of the cost of the garrison in the first year, 62 per cent in the second year, and 75 per cent. in the third and succeeding years, the balance being found by the United 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 longer required by the British Services. In particular, the United Kingdom Government have under- taken to release land currently occupied 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 facilities 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 con- tribution to the defence budget and for Hong Kong the assurance of a conunued British garrison.

Publications (Free Copies)

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

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Writsen AnzWOTE

are produced by his Department; and what is the total annual cust of the educa- tional work done to propagate Great Britain's defence policies, namely, meet- 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.

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

Scotland

Mrs. Baim asked the Secretary of State for Defence how 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. Baim asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Service personnel are employed in defence installations in Scotland.

Mr. William Rodgers : On 30th Septcm- 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 Rodgers: I would refer the non. Member to Annex B of the State- ment on Deience Estimates 1975 Cond. 5976) for the breakdown by function and to the Supply Estimates 1975-76 Class 1 Delence for the breakdown by Vote.

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.