Armed Forces: Overstretch

Lord Selkirk of Douglas Excerpts

Tuesday 28th June 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, as I said, the chiefs have the right, whenever they want, to talk to the Secretary of State for Defence and to the Prime Minister—that is the proper way to do it.

[Lord Selkirk of Douglas]

My Lords, can my noble friend confirm that with regard to Libya, whatever resources are necessary to see the matter through to a successful conclusion will continue to be made available?

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, I can confirm that. The Treasury has agreed to meet these costs from the reserves and, as the Chief of the Defence Staff has said, we can sustain this operation as long as we choose. On that I am absolutely clear.