HC Deb 24 May 1995 vol 260 cc625-6W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many breaches of the no-fly zone in Bosnia have been recorded in each of the last three months. [25782]

Mr. Soames

NATO published figures show that between 1 February and 30 April there were 1,283 reported violations. The monthly breakdown is as follows:

  • February: 399
  • March: 292
  • April: 592

A further 242 violations have been reported up to 15 May.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many breaches of the ceasefire in Sarajevo have been detected by the British army mortar locating troop in each of the last three months. [25783]

Mr. Soames

British mortar and artillery locating personnel in Sarajevo have recorded a total of 683 incidents over the last three months which have involved the firing of one or more mortar or artillery rounds. The figures are broken down as follows:

  • March: 63
  • April: 74
  • May: 546 (figures to 19 May)

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he announced the decision not to replace Britain's contribution to UNPROFOR based in Gorazde; and if he will state the reasons for this decision. [25784]

Mr. Soames

The UN were informed in April of the Government's intention not to replace British troops in Gorazde when the present detachment's tour of duty expires in September. By then, British troops will have been in the isolated enclave for 18 months and the Government believe it is time for another UN contingent to take on the responsibility.