HC Deb 11 March 2003 vol 401 c180W
Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British armed forces personnel are deployed to the Gulf region. [101964]

Mr. Ingram

I refer the hon. Member to the statements my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has made in the House where he has detailed the composition and deployments of United Kingdom forces from all three Services to the Middle East region, presenting a significant and credible threat of force in support of UNSCR 1441 and the disarmament of Iraq.

We currently envisage the total deployment of around 45,000 servicemen and women. The majority of the UK's total force package has now successfully deployed to theatre, making a significant contribution to the flexible and balanced range of coalition capabilities.