HC Deb 02 November 1995 vol 265 cc421-2W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions took place between British commanders, his Department, the United Nations and UNPROFOR before the deployment of troops from the Royal Welch Fusiliers in Gorazde on the task set for the Royal Welch Fusiliers operation there; [41201]

(2) what discussions took place between British commanders, the United Nations and UNPROFOR about changing the mandate of the Royal Welch Fusiliers in Gorazde during the operation; [41200]

(3) what mandate the Royal Welch Fusiliers were operating under when they arrived in Gorazde; and what changes were made, to that mandate during their deployment. [41198]

Mr. Soames

The Royal Welch Fusiliers, deployed to Bosnia as part of the British contribution towards UNPROFOR, were operating under the UN's humanitarian and peacekeeping mandate for the duration of their tour. Discussions took place both prior to and during their deployment on a range of subjects including the unit's tasks. Restrictions were subsequently placed on some operations in order to reduce the risk to the troops concerned.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what equipment and armour the troops of the Royal Welch Fusiliers took into Goradze at the beginning of their operation; what additions were made; and for what reasons. [41199]

Mr. Soames

On deployment to Gorazde the Royal Welch Fusiliers were equipped with Saxon armoured personnel carriers, anti-tank weapons, 51mm mortars, general purpose machine guns and standard infantry small arms. This equipment was subsequently supplemented with heavy machine guns and smoke grenades to enhance the level of protection afforded to British troops.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what request was made by(a) his Department or (b) commanders of the Royal Welch Fusiliers for reinforcements or additional armaments during the Royal Welch Fusiliers operation in Goradze; and what was the response. [41197]

Mr. Soames

There were no requests for reinforcements. Additional armaments requested and supplied were heavy machine guns and smoke grenades.