§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists served in the Balkans theatre with(a) the Army, (b) the RAF and (c) the Royal Navy in each year since 1994; with which units they served; what percentage of forces deployed to the theatre they represented; for each service in each year what was the average length of service of reservists; and if he will make a statement. [97615]
§ Mr. SpellarThis information is not available in the form requested, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Since operations commenced in December 1995, reserve forces personnel have represented around 10 per cent. of UK forces deployed in the Balkans theatre.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the readiness cycle for mobilisation for operations in(a) the Territorial Army, (b) the Royal Navy Reserve, (c) the Royal Auxiliary Airforce and (d) among sponsored reservists for the deployment of (i) formed units and (ii) individual members to regular units; and if he will make a statement. [97662]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 8 November 1999]: Volunteer reserve units from all the Services are held at readiness levels appropriate to their role. In the case of the Territorial Army, this varies from 30 days to 24 months. Following call out, a unit would be required to undergo a period of training before deployment on operations. Individual Territorial Army members called out to serve with the Regular Army are trained at the Reserves Training and Mobilisation Centre and then deployed to theatre. Royal Naval Reserve personnel, when mobilised, are deployed as individuals to augment regular units rather than in formed units. It is anticipated that the majority of RNR personnel would be ready to deploy within 30 days of receipt of their call out notice. RAF Planning assumptions also provide for individual reservists to be ready for deployment within 30 days of call out. Operational requirements may necessitate reduced periods of notice and training, and planning is carried out for such contingencies.
High Readiness Reserves largely drawn from the Territorial Army, have accepted an enhanced liability for call out for permanent service, and in most cases are held at seven days notice to report for duty.
There are no sponsored reserves currently in service.