HC Deb 31 July 1998 vol 317 c715W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make statement about the RAF aircraft deployed in the Gulf. [52542]

Mr. George Robertson

At present 6 RAF Tornado aircraft and 243 personnel are based in Saudi Arabia, 2 VC-10 tankers and 36 personnel are based in Bahrain and 12 RAF Tornados and 380 personnel are based in Kuwait. These forces remain in the Gulf to demonstrate our determination that Iraq should comply with all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

In addition, HMS Grafton maintains a Royal Naval presence in the Gulf and will shortly be joined by HMS York. The Armilla patrol has displayed the UK's commitment to the region since 1980 and plays an important part in enforcing United Nations sanctions.