§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which British Army personnel(a) have served during the last six months and (b) are currently serving, in Zimbabwe; and for what purpose. [115931]
§ Mr. SpellarA total of 11 (nine British Army and two RAF) UK military personnel currently serve in Zimbabwe as part of the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT) Southern Africa. On one occasion in the past six months the BMATT was augmented for a two week period by a further four British Army personnel to assist in the running of a training programme.
The BMATT's main role is to provide regional peacekeeping training in countries throughout the Southern Africa region.
In addition, two Army personnel (the UK Defence Adviser and his assistant) provide advice to the British High Commissioner in Harare on defence issues.