§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which forces, listed in the Memorandum of Understanding with the UN on forces available for peacekeeping operations, are unavailable; what proportion of earmarked forces this represents; and if he will make a statement on the purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding. [97763]
§ Mr. HoonThe purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to demonstrate our continued commitment to the UN. The MOU provides the planning staff in the UN with details of those UK forces on which it might be able to call. Whether those forces are available for any particular operation depends on the nature, location and duration of the operation; and other continuing or known future commitments.