HC Deb 24 January 2000 vol 343 c114W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many days total commitment of HM armed forces the reserves can maintain; if holding these reserves as(a) foreign exchange and (b) bullion modifies commitment capability; and if he will make a statement. [106402]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The costs of committing the armed forces depend on many factors, and do not necessarily require use of the Government's reserves.