HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc288-9W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the size and nature of military forces required to restore peace and security in the Congo; and if he will make a statement. [116230]

Mr. Ingram

The situation in and around Bunia remains complicated and volatile. The United Kingdom is concerned and calls on all parties to honour their commitments under the relevant peace agreements.

In response to a request from the UN, the UK has agreed to provide a small contribution to a multinational force to stabilise Bunia, pending the deployment of additional forces by the UN. We are actively discussing with France and the UN what precisely our contribution might be and have authorised a reconnaissance to inform our decision on the size, scope and nature of this contribution.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions have taken place at NATO regarding the situation in the Congo region. [116232]

Mr. Ingram

The French Ambassador to the North Atlantic Council (NAC) informed other NATO colleagues on 28 May 2003 about the security situation in the Congo. He also confirmed that the UN had officially requested French assistance. The NAC went onto to discuss whether the operation would be under a UN or ESDP leadership. No decision has yet been made.

We understand that the Interim Emergency Multinational Force for Bunia (north-eastern DRC), mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1484 (30 May 2003), might be discussed at a NATO-EU ministerial meeting today.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what resources the Government will provide in response to the UN Secretary-Generals call for the deployment of a rapid reaction force to the Democratic Republic of Congo. [116412]

Mr. Ingram

In response to a request from the UN, the United Kingdom has agreed to provide a small contribution to a multi-national force to stabilise Bunia. We are actively discussing with France and the UN what precisely our contribution might be and have authorised a reconnaissance to inform our decision on the size, scope and nature of this contribution.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he has had with(a) the UN, (b) the US, (c) the EU and (d) France regarding the situation

Group Requirement Strength Shortfall%
Warfare Branch Lieutenants (Submarines) 165 95 -40
Category B Nuclear Watch Keepers—Chief Petty Officers 371 280 -24.5
Weapons Engineering Artificers (Submarines)—Chief Petty Officers 313 256 -18.3
Warfare Branch Leading Hands 2,334 1,994 -8.2
Weapons Engineering Artificers (General Service)—Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers 878 806 -6