§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Prime Minister what forecasts have been received by Her Majesty's Government of the numbers of refugees likely to die in Bosnia and other former Yugoslavian states in the coming winter; what estimates have been received of the numbers of people who will be displaced from their homes or detention camps this winter; and what arrangements have been made by Her Majesty's Government, in conjuction with the EC and the United Nations, for the international community to receive refugees over this winter.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 19 October 1992]: According to the UN High Commission for Refugees hundreds of thousands are at risk. A total of 1.6 million are already displaced; up to 12,000 are in detention centres. The UNHCR believes that the best policy is for displaced people to stay as close to their homes as possible. We agree and have so far contributed over £55 million to humanitarian relief operations.
271W
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Prime Minister what representations have been received by Her Majesty's Government for armed action to be taken against those attacking UN-sponsored humanitarian relief in Bosnia and other former Yugoslavian states and for armed retaliation against air attacks on Bosnia made by Serbian aircraft or Serbian-sponsored aircraft in Bosnia.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 19 October 1992]: Of the several thousand letters received from members of the public concerning the former Yugoslavia, a significant number have advocated military action. The purpose of the 2,400 troops we are providing is the protection of humanitarian convoys in central Bosnia. The Bosnian Serbs have undertaken to remove their combat aircraft to Serbia. The UN is working urgently to ensure that this happens.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Prime Minister what representations have been received by Her Majesty's Government for arms from those in Bosnia fighting aggression from Serbia or sponsored by Serbia; on what dates such requests were made; what types of arms were requested; what was the response of Her Majesty's Government; and whether any requests for arms are being considered by Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 19 October 1992]: United Nations Security Council resolution 713 of 25 September 1991 established an arms embargo on all the territory of former Yugoslavia, including Bosnia-Hercegovina. There is no question of any consideration being given to requests for arms.