§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the targets against which cluster bombs were deployed by the Royal Air Force during Operation Allied Force were selected by(a) Her Majesty's Government and (b) by NATO multilateral targeting arrangements. [121668]
§ Mr. SpellarDuring Operation Allied Force, Royal Air Force Harrier GR7s released cluster weapons (RBL755s) against fixed targets and Yugoslav/Serbian fielded forces. The selection and allocation of fixed targets, and the nomination of aircraft to specific tasks, was the responsibility of NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre at Vicenza in Italy. This selection and tasking process was conducted in close coordination with the UK's air commander in theatre who scrutinised all targets and tasks against national Rules of Engagement and targeting constraints, where appropriate consulting the UK national chain of command.
On the other hand, attacks against fielded forces were normally conducted in response to targets which had been located, identified and allocated by an Airborne Forward Air Control aircraft. In these highly responsive circumstances, the Harrier GR7 pilot was responsible for locating, positively identifying and assessing the validity of the target against clearly defined Rules of Engagement; the pilot was also responsible for selecting the most appropriate number and type of weapon to be released. UK armed forces will always use the weapons judged most appropriate against a given target, taking into account weapon effectiveness and the need to minimise collateral damage.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many BL755 cluster bombs were used in the Falklands Islands by Her Majesty's Armed Forces; how many sub munitions from these weapons have been cleared; and what estimates have been made of the number of sub munitions remaining. [121667]
§ Mr. SpellarI will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.