HC Deb 18 May 1993 vol 225 cc150-1
13. Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British ground forces are stationed in Bosnia.

14. Mr. Congdon

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the contribution of British troops to securing peace in Bosnia.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The actual numbers of British armed forces personnel deployed to the former Yugoslavia in support of United Nations operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina fluctuate daily. On 16 May, however, there were 2,082 personnel, including 90 personnel from the Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm.

British troops have made a great contribution to the vital humanitarian aid operation which has alleviated the suffering of thousands.

Mr. Madden

Although everyone congratulates the British forces on the way in which they have performed their duties in Bosnia, does the Minister agree that the international community might have adopted a more decisive, interventionist policy had the main aggressors in Bosnia been Muslim and the main victims non-Muslim?

Mr. Hamilton

I do not accept that at all. The reason for a certain amount of hesitance to involve ground troops in an offensive action in Bosnia is that whoever went in would be embroiled in a civil war. That is why the international community has shown a reluctance about going into Bosnia before a ceasefire is established.

Mr. Congdon

Given the valuable humanitarian role being carried out by our troops in Bosnia, will my right hon. Friend confirm that great caution will be exercised before agreeing to further military intervention that might put our troops at risk?

Mr. Hamilton

Yes, indeed. As I have said, it is important that a clear ceasefire is in being and then, if it is a question of monitoring that ceasefire, I think we will be more encouraged to commit further troops. Until the Vance-Owen plan has been signed and a ceasefire agreed, we are very reluctant to get further involved.