Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 May 1999. It was answered by Doug Henderson (Labour) on Monday, 24 May 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 10th May 1999, 331 c19W, on the Falklands garrison, what is the strategic reason for maintaining a garrison in the Falklands; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May 1999, Official Report, column 19, on the Falklands garrison, what is the strategic reason for maintaining a garrison in the Falklands; and if he will make a statement. [84899] Mr. Doug Henderson: Our garrison on the Falkland Islands is a demonstration of the Government's commitment to ensure the security of the Falkland Islands and to uphold the right of the Islanders to determine their own future. We will continue to provide a garrison comprising air, and land sea assets, backed up by the capability to reinforce if necessary.

Secondary information