§ Mr. LaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the call-out of reservists for operations in the Balkans and the region of Iraq. [157797]
§ Dr. MoonieSince NATO operations commenced in the former Yugoslavia, the reserve forces have historically provided some 10 per cent. of the total manpower in theatre. A further call-out order has been made under section 54 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 to allow members of the reserve forces to continue to be called out to support operations in Yugoslavia and in the region of 291W Iraq. As in previous years, only volunteers for these duties will be called out. The new call-out order has effect until 31 March 2002.