§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what current arrangements exist to train service personel in the history and politics of the former Yugoslavia; what plans he has to increase the amount of training in these matters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyUnits warned for duty in the former Yugoslavia receive comprehensive briefing, which includes the history, geography, ethnic make-up and political and socio-economic development of the region. In addition, units undergo a special UN training programme, which includes information on the region and its peoples. Individuals nominated as UN military observers undergo extra training to prepare them for their specialist role. I am satisfied that these arrangements meet current needs.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many liaison officers with training in Serbo-Croat are currently attached to 1 Battalion, Coldstream Guards.
§ Mr. HanleyThere are 16 civilian and seven military liaison officers trained in Serbo-Croat currently attached to 1 Battalion, Coldstream Guards.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what current arrangements exist to train service personnel in Serbo-Croat ; what plans he has to increase the amount of training in Serbo-Croat; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. HanleyThe present arrangements include six-month courses for military interpreters at the Defence School of Languages, basic "language survival" courses as part of pre-deployment training, the issue of word lists, and low-level training for all personnel in theatre. These arrangements meet the current operational requirements of the three services and there is no reason for an increase in training. If, however, the requirements change then additional training in Serbo-Croat would need to be addressed.