HC Deb 09 December 1994 vol 251 c415W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the use of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps for possible use in Bosnia in the event of a United Nations withdrawal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

NATO and the United Nations have undertaken contingency planning for a wide range of possible scenarios, including withdrawal. It would not, however, be appropriate to comment on the details of these plans.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what period of time is required for the NATO allied rapid reaction corps to be mobilised for operational use;

(2) in what current state of readiness is the NATO allied rapid reaction corps.

Mr. Soames

The multinational allied Europe rapid reaction corps was established to provide NATO with a capability to respond quickly, drawing on an appropriate level of forces determined by SACEUR, to a range of contingencies. It will achieve full operational capability in 1995 although the HQ is already operational in Rheindalen in Germany. Details of the readiness states of the units assigned to the ARRC and the period of time required to deploy the ARRC for operations are classified for operational reasons.