HC Deb 20 June 2002 vol 387 c504W
Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what specialist troops Finland, Italy and Sweden have contributed to the ISAF; how long they will remain at ISAF's disposal; and if he will make a statement. [62894]

Mr. Hoon

Finland has contributed liaison teams and a civil military co-ordination team. Italy has contributed infantry, including an explosive ordnance disposal team nuclear biological and chemical warfare reconnaissance troops, general support engineers and air transport. Sweden has contributed intelligence troops. How long those countries will leave their troops at ISAF's disposal is a matter for them. We were pleased with the swiftness and generosity with which contributing nations offered troops to ISAF when the UK was planning its leadership, and the large number of countries contributing demonstrates the strength of international commitment to the war against terrorism.

David Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions members of the UK armed forces have entered Pakistan during current operations based in Afghanistan. [62902]

Mr. Hoon

Since the United Kingdom element of the International Security Assistance Force was first deployed to Afghanistan, we have used a Forward Mounting Base in Pakistan. As a result, UK armed forces personnel regularly enter Pakistan.

Back to
Forward to