HC Deb 04 November 1999 vol 337 cc251-2W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Ro-Ro ferries referred to in the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the UN standby arrangement system are civilian; and what discussions he has held with civilian operators about them. [95253]

Mr. Hoon

The two Ro-Ro ferries declared as potentially available for operations in the UK's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UN are run and crewed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, although the vessels themselves are chartered commercially.

The MOU also reflects plans to increase the number of Ro-Ro ferries to six as a result of enhancements announced in the Strategic Defence Review. My Department is currently evaluating civilian and military options (including a combination of both) for providing this capability.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what units have been notified that they are covered by the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the UN standby arrangement system. [95251]

Mr. Hoon

Individual units have not been specifically notified. The Memorandum of Understanding with the UN under the UN Standby Arrangement System lists a range of forces and capabilities drawn from the pool of Joint Rapid Reaction Forces. The Strategic Defence Review stated that these forces would be available for operations of all kinds across the crisis spectrum and under NATO, Western European Union, UN, OSCE coalition or national auspices.

In the event of a request from the UN for UK military support and ministerial agreement to contribute to a specific peacekeeping operation, the Ministry of Defence will decide how that support can best be provided. The decision on which unit to task from the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces will be based on an assessment of factors such as the nature, duration and location of the operation, and other ongoing commitments.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if troops committed to peacekeeping in East Timor are referred to in the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the UN standby arrangement system. [95252]

Mr. Hoon

The commitment of UK troops to the Australian-led International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) reflects our willingness to support the UN but is not covered by the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the US Standby Arrangements System. This is because the Standby Arrangements are only activated in relation to UN-commanded peacekeeping operations and not for a UN-mandated international force as in the case of East Timor or Kosovo.