HC Deb 11 February 1992 vol 203 cc438-9W
Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the approximate cost of the United Kingdom's military commitment in Zimbabwe for training and other purposes each year since 1981–82(a) in cash terms and (b) at 1981–82 prices; and if he will list the percentage increase or decrease on the previous year for each year.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

It is not our practice to disclose the cost of assistance to individual countries.

Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the approximate number of United Kingdom service men operating in Zimbabwe for training and other purposes each year since 1981–82.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The number of United Kingdom service men operating in Zimbabwe (excluding the defence adviser and his staff) since 1982 are as follows:

Numbers
1982 74
1983 104
1984 58
1985 60
1986 63
1987 50
1988 43
1989 43
1990 61
1991 58
1992 56

All figures are at 31 March except for 1982 (31 September) and 1992 (31 January). Figures for 1981 are unavailable.

Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his policy regarding the presence of United Kingdom service men in Zimbabwe for training and other purposes.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Government's military assistance programme in Zimbabwe aims to contribute to the maintenance of stability in the region. Following the country's independence in 1980, a British military training team has been helping to train the Zimbabwean forces. Another team has been involved in training elements of the Mozambican forces at a base in Zimbabwe.

Both teams are in Zimbabwe at the invitation of the Zimbabwean Government.

Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom service men while stationed in Zimbabwe have been killed, seriously injured or wounded in the course of their military duties since 1981–82.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I will write to my hon. Friend.

Forward to