HC Deb 29 June 2000 vol 352 cc595-7W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the average number of fully trained, dedicated medical personnel deployed in-theatre as a proportion of the total armed forces personnel deployed in-theatre at the time of highest United Kingdom deployment during conflicts in(a) the Falklands, (b) the Gulf, (c) Kosovo and (d) Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [127472]

The following table lists details of all the events the RAF is supporting which will in part commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain:

Mr. Spellar

I will write to the right hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the optimum in-theatre deployment of fully trained, dedicated medical personnel as a proportion of total armed forces personnel; what factors he takes into account in deciding this policy; and if he will make a statement. [127471]

Dr. Moonie

The optimal quantity and configuration of medical support is calculated individually for each operational deployment to ensure that the support is tailored to the particular task in hand. Factors taken into account in reaching a decision on the level of medical support required include the type of operation; the force size and composition; military threat and risk assessments; possible casualty rates; risk of disease and other non battle injuries; local environmental factors, such as climate and water availability and quality; and the availability of medical resources provided by allies.