§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British forces are stationed in Belize; and if he has any plans to increase their number. [129077]
§ Mr. SpellarThe British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) is the only unit permanently stationed in Belize and consists of 84 British military personnel. There are no plans to increase this number.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from the Belize Government regarding military assistance; and if he will make a statement. [129079]
267W
§ Mr. SpellarMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I, as well as other Ministers including my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, met Said Musa, the Prime Minister of Belize, during his recent visit to the United Kingdom. During our meeting we discussed the strong defence relationship between our two countries, and current levels of military assistance funding provided by the UK to Belize. Her Majesty's Government are giving further consideration to representations from Mr. Musa on this subject. I also took the opportunity to express our thanks to Mr. Musa for his country's continuing support for the British Army jungle training unit in Belize, BATSUB.