§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the present United Kingdom contribution to the new European Union force in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo; and what plans they have to vary or increase it. [HL3521]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)My right honourable friend the Minister for the Armed Forces (Adam Ingram) said in another place on 23 June (Official Report, col. 702) that the UK is sending about 70 Royal Engineers to the Interim Emergency Multinational Force in Bunia (north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo). With support staff and headquarters-based officers, total UK deployment will be around 85 personnel.
There are no plans at this stage to vary or increase this contribution.