§ Mr. Ernie RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if reservists will continue to be called out to support military operations in the Balkans and the region of Iraq. [117835]
§ Mr. SpellarA new call-out order has been made under section 54 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 which allows the call out of members of the reserve forces to continue so that they may support operations in Yugoslavia and in the region of Iraq. The call-out order has effect until 31 March 2001. Since NATO operations commenced in the former Yugoslavia, the reserve forces have historically 397W provided some 10 per cent. of the total UK manpower in theatre. As in previous years, only volunteers for these duties will be called out.