HC Deb 09 January 1996 vol 269 cc93-4W
17. Mr. Gale

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on NATO's peace implementation force in Bosnia. [6356]

Mr. Soames

The deployment of the NATO-led peace implementation force is continuing with over 34,000 troops now in theatre, including some 8,500 UK personnel. IFOR has monitored compliance with the first stages of the peace agreement and we expect the implementation process to continue with the full support of the parties.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost of the British defence presence in Bosnia; what proportion of this cost has been met from international bodies; and if he will list the bodies involved. [6754]

Mr. Soames

The total cost of the British defence presence in Bosnia to date is £377 million. Of this, £292 million has been incurred on United Nations operations and, in accordance with well-established arrangements, my Department recovers these costs from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which in turn seeks reimbursement from the UN. The latter has so far reimbursed £85 million and further reimbursements are expected. An additional £86 million associated with NATO-Western European Union operations, for which there is no reimbursement, has fallen on Defence votes.