HL Deb 09 April 2001 vol 624 c146WA
Lord Kirkhill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether reservists will continue to be called out for operations in the Balkans and the region of Iraq. [HL 1662]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Since NATO operations commenced in the former Yugoslavia, the reserve forces have historically provided some 10 per cent of the total UK 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 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.