§ Sir Peter LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance the United Kingdom will continue to give to support the development of the Baltic peacekeeping battalion. [29528]
§ Mr. SoamesThe UK, together with other NATO allies—Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the USA—and Sweden and Finland, has been involved in the training and development of the Baltic peacekeeping battalion since 1994. This programme, which includes English language training and training by the Royal Marines in basic infantry skills, will continue until late 1997. In addition to training provision, the UK—as part of an international equipment package—has provided 38 Carl Gusav anti-tank weapons to the peacekeeping battalion. These weapons are surplus to UK requirements and are non-offensive weapons suited for defensive purposes in a peacekeeping environment. These will be delivered today.