HC Deb 13 May 1991 vol 191 cc57-8W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are in the region of Ahmadi in Kuwait; from what regiments they are drawn; who is responsible for monitoring their health; what provisions have been made to limit their period of exposure to air pollution arising from oil fires; and when they are expected to return to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of the British Army medical team working out of the Ahmadi hospital.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There are currently some 30 medical personnel from the Royal Army Medical Corps and the RAF at Ahmadi hospital. There are also six patients from the battle group in the hospital. The medical personnel form the British medical support team, which provides surgical cover for the battle group. They are responsible for monitoring the health of the members of the battle group as well as their own. When the battle group withdraws, the medical team will remain in Kuwait to provide medical support to members of 21 Explosive Ordnance Disposal—EOD—Squadron. Face masks are available to these personnel and they are advised to avoid strenuous activity when in areas suffering heavy air pollution. The present members of the medical support team have only recently arrived in Kuwait; current plans envisage their withdrawal, with 21 EOD Squadron, within the next four months.

Mr. Trotter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to inquire into the circumstances in which British soldiers in the Gulf were killed by fire from an allied aircraft; when he expects the inquiry to be concluded; and whether the conclusions will be published.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The British military investigation into the incident in which nine British soldiers were killed by fire from United States A10 aircraft on 26 February is being urgently pursued but has not yet been completed. Its findings will be discussed with the United States Administration to resolve any areas of uncertainty. The next of kin and Parliament will then be given as full an account of the outcome of the investigation as is possible.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how long he expects that the British battle group will remain in Kuwait.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Mr. Wardle) on 27 March at column482.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to station United Kingdom forces in Dahuk.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Kurdish refugees have expressed concern at the security environment in Dahuk. The need for United Kingdom or other joint forces in Dahuk will be kept under review in the light of developments.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the work of military personnel for Royal Ordnance in Kuwait.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Following the liberation of Kuwait, British forces in Kuwait provided emergency assistance to the Kuwaiti Government in clearing mines and other ordnance. In the longer term this work will be carried on and completed by civilian contractors, including Royal Ordnance plc. 21 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron, Royal Engineers will be deployed to Kuwait to provide specialist advice and assistance for a limited transitional period which will enable Royal Ordnance and the subcontractors to get established. Military personnel may carry out search, location, identification and recording/surveying of unexploded ordnance, booby traps and mines. They will not be employed directly on clearance of minefields nor on the disposal of other explosive devices. The unit will, at all times, remain under direct military control and the commanding officer will have the right to refuse tasks if, in his professional judgment, he believes they might involve risk greater than would be involved during normal peacetime work and training. Royal Ordnance will meet the full costs of the deployment.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of submarines in the Arabian Gulf during the conflict with Iraq.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Although it is not the normal practice of the Ministry of Defence to comment on the details of submarine operations, I can confirm that HMS Otus and HMS Opossum were deployed in support of Operation Granby.