HC Deb 21 March 1994 vol 240 cc113-4W
Sir Thomas Arnold

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the terms of the memorandum of understanding have now been communicated to the Belize Government; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

A draft memoranda of understanding—MOU—has been submitted to the Government of Belize. This will replace the existing status of forces agreement which covers the presence of the garrison. The aim of the MOU is to reflect the evolvement of the British garrison into a residential training presence, rather than make any substantive changes.

Sir Thomas Arnold

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his latest timetable for the withdrawal of the battalion from Belize; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

It is planned to withdraw the infantry battalion which is currently in Belize at the end of this month. The garrison drawdown is well under way and is planned to be complete by the end of September this year. Thereafter, there will be a residual United Kingdom training presence.

Back to