Bahrain (Hansard, 17 February 1998)

§ Mr. Corbyn
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom military personnel have(a) visited in an official capacity, (b) been stationed in and (c) been seconded to Bahrain in each of the last five years. [29466]

§ Dr. Reid
Figures for the number of United Kingdom military personnel who have been stationed in Bahrain or visited in an official capacity over the last five years are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. No United Kingdom military personnel have been seconded to Bahrain in the last five years.

§ Mr. Corbyn
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Bahrain service people have(a) visited and (b) attended training courses in Britain in each of the last five years. [29468]

§ Dr. Reid
Figures for the number of Bahraini Service personnel who have visited the United Kingdom are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
It has been the practice of successive Administrations not to release details of military assistance provided to other countries on the grounds that this information has been considered confidential between Governments, and that disclosure would risk damaging our international relations. However, this practice is being reviewed against the background of the Government's commitment to openness. I will write to my hon. Friend once the review is complete and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

§ Mr. Corbyn
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent meetings have been held at Ministerial level with ministers in the Bahrain Government; and what was discussed. [29609]

§ Dr. Reid
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary held separate meetings with the Bahraini Crown Prince and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on 28 January. The main focus of these meetings was the current crisis in the Gulf. My noble Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement visited Bahrain on the 13–14 February and held discussions on Iraq with the Amir, Prime Minister and other ministers.