§ 14. Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce or withdraw British forces in former Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement. [14640]
§ Mr. SoamesWe intend to maintain our contribution to UNPROFOR so long as our forces can continue to carry out the UN mandate at an acceptable level of risk. The size of our contribution is kept under close review.
§ 21. Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what redeployment is planned for UK military forces currently serving with UNPROFOR in Croatia. [14647]
§ Mr. SoamesNone.
§ 24. Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are currently serving in Bosnia with the United Nations; and what plans he has for increasing their numbers. [14651]
§ Mr. SoamesThere are currently some 3,400 British personnel serving in the former Yugoslavia as part of UNPROFOR. Some 190 personnel are on standby to deploy to Bosnia as the remainder of the additional forces which the United Kingdom offered to the UN in January to help with the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement.