§ 32. Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of members of the armed forces to assist the humanitarian effort in Afghanistan. [15106]
§ 39. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assets his Department has made available for the delivery of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [15114]
§ Mr. HoonWe have made available a number of service personnel and service assets to assist the humanitarian effort in Afghanistan.
A detachment of Royal Marines has been deployed to Bagram as part of a coalition mission to help make the airport usable by United Nations and other diplomatic and humanitarian missions.
We also have a small team of armed forces personnel in Islamabad where, along with United States colleagues, they are liaising with aid agencies, as well as other personnel in the United States who are assisting with the planning and co-ordination of the coalition humanitarian effort.
In addition, the Canberra PR9 reconnaissance aircraft which we have deployed to the region can assist in the targeting of humanitarian assistance by identifying concentrations of displaced persons. We will, of course, consider making other assets available as necessary.
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many women are on active duty as part of the Afghanistan campaign. [15094]
§ Mr. HoonApproximately 300 women are currently on active duty as part of the UK contribution to the international coalition against terrorism.