§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has had, from hon. Members and others, about delays in despatching mail to Her Majesty's forces in the Gulf; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonNo formal representations have been received from hon. Members or others about delays in despatching mail to Her Majesty's forces in the Gulf. Under the forces postal concessionary scheme letters and packets are automatically sent by air, currently arriving within about five days. Under the same scheme, parcels are transported by air on a fill-up basis, currently arriving within about 10 days.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities will be provided for allied troops in Saudi Arabia to celebrate Christmas; and if he is satisfied that religious practices can be observed by the troops stationed in that country.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonArrangements are being made to ensure that our forces will be able to celebrate Christmas and the new year properly, subject to the need to maintain military preparedness. Arrangements are always made for the pastoral and spiritual support of United Kingdom forces.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the further deployment of British forces to the Gulf.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonI refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend today.