§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many free telephone calls per week are allowed for British troops serving in Bosnia; when the number of free calls was last altered; what form the alteration took; and if he will make a statement. [5406]
§ Mr. SoamesMost troops serving in Bosnia are not entitled to make free private telephone calls, but have access to payphones to make telephone calls home. A welfare telephone allowance—WTA—currently £22 per month, is paid to troops as a contribution towards the cost of these calls. There is no restriction on the number or duration of calls made.
The very small number of troops who do not have access to welfare payphones may use the military communications system for a free weekly call home. These personnel do not receive the WTA.
This system has been in place since troops were deployed to Bosnia in December 1995 as part of IFOR.