HC Deb 27 February 2004 vol 418 cc615-6W
Mr. Flook

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the dates on which(a) 40 Commando Brigade, (b) 42 Commando Brigade and (c) 45 Commando Brigade carried out winter weather training in Norway since 1990. [156785]

Mr. Ingram

This information is not held centrally and it has not therefore been possible in the time available to provide an answer. Work is in hand to collate the details requested. I will write to the hon. Member when that work is complete and a copy of my reply will be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Flook

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade were in Norway on cold weather exercise in January and February, broken down by commando unit. [156786]

Mr. Ingram

The following details the number of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines personnel, which includes personnel from the Royal Marines, Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, broken down by unit1, who have deployed on Winter Deployment 04 at any time between January and February 2004:

  1. a. 40 Commando RM: 604
  2. b. 42 Commando RM: 590
  3. c. Headquarters 3 Commando Brigade RM and Landing Force Command Support Group: 422
  4. d. 539 Assault Squadron RM: 118
  5. e. Commando Logistics Regiment: 335
  6. f. 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery: 322
  7. g. 59 Independent Commando Engineer Sqn RE: 141
1Units at a, b and c are predominantly RM personnel. Unit e has a large number of Army and RN ranks. Units at f and g are entirely Army personnel.

Mr. Flook

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade have been sent home early from Norway due to lack of medical fitness owing to cold weather illnesses; and what the attributable cause of the illnesses was in each case. [156787]

Mr. Ingram

As at 24 February, 78 members of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines had been evacuated to the UK owing to cold weather illness/injury. This is not unusual during a Winter Deployment compared against previous historical data. Changes to Health and Safety regulations however, have reduced the threshold at which those suffering cold weather injuries are sent home. Previously many would have been treated in theatre and returned to training.

A full analysis of the precise nature of these injuries will not be completed for some time. This is because, to provide a useful assessment of the injury, examination has to take place three months after the initial injury. The earliest date medical assessments can begin is May. It is anticipated that all casualties will have been examined by the end of June 2004.

Initial feedback from theatre does, however, indicate that the cause of these cold injuries is varied. There is no evidence of one particular cause of cold weather injuries or of any specific equipment deficiencies.

None is directly attributable to sleeping bags, contrary to recent press speculation.

Mr. Flook

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether cold weather sleeping bags are issued to Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade on winter weather training in Norway. [156788]

Mr. Ingram

Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade on winter training in Norway are issued with sleeping bags that form part of a 'sleeping system'. It comprises a Gortex outer bag, a sleeping bag and a roll mat. The system is designed for use in a range of temperatures, including those sub-zero temperatures experienced in the Arctic. No Royal Marine on this Winter Deployment has related a cold weather injury to any perceived failing in the sleeping system.