HC Deb 05 June 2000 vol 351 cc5-6W
30. Mr. Jim Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the use of United Kingdom forces in Sierra Leone. [122669]

Mr. Hoon

United Kingdom Forces deployed to Sierra Leone in early May have done an excellent job. They deployed to get UK nationals out and, in securing the airport at Lungi, they were able to help UNAMSIL while reinforcements flew in. The operation has been a success: hundreds of UK nationals were evacuated; thousands of UN reinforcements have flown in. The arrival of capable, well-equipped reinforcements has helped create a much more stable and secure environment than when UK forces arrived. We expect to be able to have withdrawn the bulk of our troops from Sierra Leone by mid-June. We will, however, continue to provide UK military observers to UNAMSIL and training and advice to the Government of Sierra Leone, as part of our wider programme of assistance.

35. Dr. George Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects British Forces to leave Sierra Leone. [122674]

Mr. Hoon

We expect the bulk of British forces deployed to Sierra Leone, including 42 Commando, to leave by mid-June. We will, however, continue to provide UK military advice and training in accordance with our wider programme of assistance to the Government of Sierra Leone. We will also continue to work with UNAMSIL.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral statement of 23 May 2000,Official Report, columns 863–65, concerning Sierra Leone, what United Kingdom weapons and ammunition will be issued to any military organisation other than the Sierra Leone army; and how the distribution of such arms will be controlled and monitored. [124055]

Mr. Hoon

Light weapons and ammunition will be distributed to Government of Sierra Leone Armed Forces only. Their distribution will be overseen by UK military personnel in Sierra Leone. We have received firm assurances from President Kabbah that they will only be used by regular Sierra Leone soldiers in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of British forces in the area of Sierra Leone. [123714]

Mr. Hoon

I refer my right hon. Friend to the statement I gave to the House on 23 May 2000,Official Report, columns 863–74.