§ 11. Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of British forces with UNPROFOR in central Bosnia.
§ Mr. RifkindThe United Kingdom continues to play a major role in providing personnel and equipment as part of UNPROFOR in Bosnia. The Army battalion group—currently 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards and its support units—is deployed on humanitarian aid and refugee escort duties. In spite of considerable difficulties from fighting and obstruction on the ground, it is carrying out a very successful operation, with great skill and courage, which has helped to save many thousands of lives, and of which we can all be justly proud.
§ 23. Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current military situation in Bosnia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyFighting continues among the different factions in Bosnia, although the winter weather has occasioned some decrease in hostilities. British forces continue to face considerable risks in carrying out their important humanitarian tasks, which they are discharging with courage and distinction. We keep the situation on the ground under regular review.
232W
24. Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of United Kingdom service personnel currently serving in Bosnia.
§ Mr. HanleyI refer the right hon. Member to the answer given earlier to the hon. Member for Castle Point (Dr. Spink) by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.
§ 25. Mr. Jonathan EvansTo ask the Secretary of Slate for Defence if he will make a statement on the future deployment of United Kingdom forces in Bosnia.
§ 26. Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on future deployment of troops in Bosnia.
§ Mr. HanleyI refer the hon. Members to the answer given earlier to the hon. Member for City of Chester (Mr. Brandreth) by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.