§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will announce the date of the return to the UK from Iraq of 16 Air Assault Brigade. [113121]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 13 May 2003]: I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence's two written statements of 11 April 2003, Official Report, columns 38–39WS and 30 April 2003, Official Report, columns 15–16WS. In the latter, he announced the withdrawal of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, which is under way. We aim to bring home the other major deployed land units as soon as the situation allows, and will announce plans to do so once they are firm.