HC Deb 07 February 2001 vol 362 cc524-5W
Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the role of the Royal Marines in MNB (C) in Kosovo. [148926]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 6 February 2001]: All British forces who have served in Kosovo can be justly proud of their performance. British forces currently serving in KFOR have maintained this high standard of service. Currently, Headquarters 3 Commando Brigade are providing the headquarters for Multi-National Brigade (Centre) (MNB (c) ) in Pristina, and 45 Commando Group and 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales Regiment are providing two manoeuvre battle groups.

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to reduce the level of the UK commitment in Kosovo in terms of(a) troops and (b) equipment. [148930]

Mr. Spellar

[holding answer 6 February 2001]: The United Kingdom contribution to the NATO led peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR) is based upon Alliance requirements and agreed with Allies. NATO has well established procedures for the review of forces required for both KFOR and the SFOR mission in Bosnia. Reviews of both are currently under way. The UK will be contributing fully to that review process, and the results will be presented to NATO Ministers in June.