§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much military aid they are giving Colombia in 2003–04; and what is the projected amount for 2004–05. [HL5041]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)In financial year 2003–04, military assistance provided by the United Kingdom to the Colombian armed forces focused primarily on explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and provision of training courses to members of the Colombian armed forces both in Colombia and in the UK. The cost of this assistance was about £120,000.
The assistance is aimed at reducing the number of deaths, both civilian and military, from explosive devices, and at introducing Colombian military personnel to British defence concepts in key areas such as rules of engagement and the democratic and accountable control of the armed forces.
114WAWe anticipate a similar programme in the financial year 2004–05.
The nature of other aspects of military advice and assistance provided to Colombia is confidential between governments, and I am withholding details under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which covers information where disclosure would be harmful to national security, defence or international relations.