§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Royal Air Force undertook training in low flying in Belize in 1990–91 and 1991–92.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonRAF aircraft are stationed in Belize for operational rather than training purposes. From time to time these aircraft will fly low-level training sorties, but only to qualify the aircrew stationed in theatre for operational duties. It is not our practice to comment on operational details.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will hold urgent talks with the Government of Belize about the maintenance of order on their border with Guatemala in the event of withdrawal of British troops.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bosworth (Mr. Tredinnick) by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 13 May at column561. The Government of Belize were consulted closely about the changes announced. These consultations included discussion on the question of the future security of the border between Belize and Guatemala.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultation he is undertaking with Commonwealth countries about the security of Belize in the light of "Options for Change."
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe changes announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 13 May, at column 561, are in response to the greatly improved relations between Belize and Guatemala, and not "Options for Change". We have made clear to the Government of Belize that we are prepared to play a full part in any consultations that they may request on Belize's future security. It is for them to decide which countries they wish to involve in any such discussions.