§ Baroness Youngasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to contribute to a NATO led Implementation Force in the event of an overall peace agreement in the Former Yugoslavia.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)Contingency planning for a NATO-led Implementation Force in the event of an overall peace agreement in the former Yugoslavia is continuing in parallel with the current peace talks in Dayton, Ohio. We would expect to make a substantial contribution.
As part of this contribution, we envisage a need to make use of a number of members of the Territorial Army and the Regular Army Reserve. On present estimates, the number would not exceed 350 personnel, who would, as far as possible, be sought on a voluntary basis. My department will shortly be setting in hand the necessary arrangements.