§ 29. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) has been and (b) he estimates will be the effect on the contingency fund of (i) the conflict in Kosovo and (ii) the measures to be taken following the peace agreement relating to Kosovo. [87086]
§ Mr. MilburnThe Ministry of Defence estimates the total additional cost of Kosovo military operations up to the end of May was £43 million (excluding the costs of munitions). It has been agreed that military costs will form the basis of a claim on the Reserve to the extent that they cannot be absorbed without detriment to other priorities.
It is too early to say what the costs to Departmental Expenditure Limits or the Reserve will be of all the measures to be taken following the peace agreement.