§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of British troops which could be deployed indefinitely to Kosovo without causing the assumptions underlying the Strategic Defence Review to be revised. [69189]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe assumptions underlying the Strategic Defence Review were intended to guide force structure planning rather than decisions about individual deployments. A deployment to Kosovo would not invalidate these assumptions.
§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps have been named for duty in Kosovo. [69190]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Headquarters of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps has been involved in Nato planning in relation to Kosovo, but no decision has been taken to proceed with any operation.
§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British military forces the Nato Secretary General has authority to order into action following the response of both parties to the Contact Group's proposals on Kosovo. [69188]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe North Atlantic Council on 30 January agreed that the Nato Secretary General may authorise air strikes against targets on FRY territory. He will take his decision in the light of both parties' compliance with international commitments and requirements, including in particular assessment by the Contact Group of the response to its demands.
The RAF assets dedicated to these air operations consist of eight Harriers and two tankers in Italy. Furthermore, HMS Iron Duke, a Type 23 frigate, which is part of the Nato Standing Force Mediterranean, is now situated in the Adriatic.