HC Deb 08 December 1993 vol 234 cc285-6W
Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many vehicles are currently in use by British forces in Bosnia; how many offer full armoured protection to the occupants; and how many are soft skinned.

Mr. Hanley

There are currently 917 vehicles of all types deployed in the United Kingdom within the former Yugoslavia. Of that number 190, including 65 Warriors, are armoured, giving all-round protection. The remaining 727 vehicles consist of trucks, bulk fuel vehicles, Land Rovers, engineers' plant and mechanical handling equipment. Not all of those vehicles will be in use at any one time.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requests he has received to provide assistance in the investigation of alleged war crimes in Bosnia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

None, although British forces in Bosnia have facilitated investigation by providing armed escorts and armoured transport to United Nations investigators of alleged war crimes. They gave similar assistance to Dame Anne Warburton during her investigation earlier this year into the treatment of Muslim women in the former Yugoslavia.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy regarding the provision of assistance by British forces in the investigation of allegations of war crimes in Bosnia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

British forces in Bosnia provide assistance where possible to the United Nations or other official investigators of alleged war crimes on request.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which units have been identified to replace United Kingdom forces currently serving in Bosnia when their tours of duty expire; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

No decisions have been taken about a further roulement of British forces in Bosnia in April-May next year. As a matter of sensible contingency planning, however, the 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment has been identified and warned off as a possible replacement for 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, if a further six months deployment were to be undertaken.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information on alleged war crimes committed in Bosnia has been gathered by British forces deployed in the area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

Any information British forces come across during the course of their duties is passed to the relevant United Nations authorities for investigation.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policy developments have occurred in relation to the provision of assistance by British forces in the investigation of allegations of war crimes in bosnia in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

None.