§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to strengthen the rules of engagement for the British troops in Bosnia; and if he will make it his policy that they will have the means to protect themselves with all the appropriate light weapons and radar-seeking missiles being made available on HMS Ark Royal.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonRules of engagement governing the use of force by the British battaliion group carrying out its humanitarian role in Bosnia already provide satisfactorily for our troops to respond in self-defence, 201W with the means available to them, to any attacks. In his statement on 14 January, Official Report, columns 1057–58, my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence said that the forces which are being currently deployed to the Adriatic have been sent as a contingency, to be available to provide additional protection for the battalion group should that be required.