HC Deb 06 February 1990 vol 166 cc750-1
9. Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what part British service personnel play in United Nations international peacekeeping and monitoring activities.

The Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Mr. Archie Hamilton)

We currently provide contingents to the United Nations force in Cyprus and the United Nations transition assistance group in Namibia. British Forces Cyprus also provide logistic support to the United Nations interim force in Lebanon and the disengagement observer force on the Golan Heights.

Mr. Shaw

Does my hon. Friend agree that over the years the record of British forces in supporting the United Nations peacekeeping forces has been admirable? Does he further agree that British forces might contribute quite a lot to a peacekeeping force in Cambodia? The great tragedy is that Cambodia has been invaded over many years by countries in its vicinity which have professed to instil a Socialist structure that has caused agony, dread and hatred in the Cambodian community? Does my hon. Friend agree that the presence of a British peacekeeping force with the United Nations in Cambodia would be a tremendous advantage for that country?

Mr. Hamilton

I share my hon. Friend's view that we should do everything that we can to help that unhappy country. I am aware that there is renewed interest in the possibility of United Nations supervision of a settlement in Cambodia, but it is too early to speculate on that, although I am sure that any request for British troops would be looked at sympathetically.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

In so far as the complement of British service personnel included Mr. Colin Wallace, who was also involved in monitoring activities as set out in the question on the Order Paper, and as I have sent the Secretary of State all the documents that were in my possession the other day, along with a 20-page written—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must relate his question to the question on the Order Paper. I am finding it difficult to understand it.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

In so far as I sent the Minister a copy of a 20-page document which was hand-written by Colin Wallace in 1973 or 1974. and in so far as it relates to Clockwork Orange and attempts to undermine individual Labour, Conservative and Liberal politicians—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must relate his question to the question on the Order Paper. It is unfair to the whole House to seek to introduce other matters.

Mr. Rathbone

Will my hon. Friend reassure the House that Her Majesty's Government would make available British forces to the United Nations should it become more involved in the war against drug trafficking?

Mr. Hamilton

It is a novel idea that the United Nations might become involved in the war against drug trafficking. We are already playing a role by giving assistance to Colombia and because of the presence of the West Indian guard ship in the Caribbean. However, it is a proposition that we would consider with sympathy.