§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he intends to take to ensure that service personnel deployed in(a) Bosnia and (b) Northern Ireland can properly celebrate Christmas and communicate with their families over the Christmas period; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyAn important part of the welfare support for service personnel on unaccompanied tours has always been the provision of facilities to allow them to communicate with their families and friends. This is particularly important at Christmas. For troops in Bosnia, free aerogrammes are already available and the arrangements for subsidised telephone calls will be enhanced over the Christmas period. In Northern Ireland, official welfare telephones are provided and personnel receive reimbursement towards the cost of telephone calls to families. In addition, concessionary telephone cards are available for purchase to allow more frequent contact. British forces deployed in Bosnia and in Northern Ireland will continue their operational duties over the Christmas period. Arrangements are nevertheless in hand for traditional regimental Christmas celebrations. Church services will be held in both Bosnia and Northern Ireland.