HC Deb 22 April 1993 vol 223 cc191-2W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British military personnel are based in Cambodia; and for what reason.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There are currently 122 British service men based in Cambodia. All are serving with the United Nations as part of the United Nations transitional authority in Cambodia.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution the United Kingdom is making to mine-clearing operations in Cambodia; where and with which faction the British unit is based; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The United Kingdom is providing 14 mine clearance training experts as part of the United Nations transitional authority in Cambodia—UNTAC—including the overall commander of the UNTAC mine clearance training unit—MCTU. The headquarters of the MCTU is in Phnom Penh and British mine clearance training personnel are located at a number of different locations in Cambodia.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many mines have been lifted in Cambodia by the British mine-clearing unit since it commenced its operations.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

United Kingdom personnel are not directly involved in mine clearance in Cambodia. They provide training for indigenous personnel and an element of supervision of mine clearance operations.