HL Deb 05 January 2004 vol 657 cc17-8WA
Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What percentage of Her Majesty's Armed Forces still serving in Operation TELIC are reservists; and what has been the average period of absence from civilian employment by reservists during this campaign. [HL357]

Lord Bach

As at 18 December 1,217 reservists were serving in theatre in support of Operation TELIC. This represents some 11 per cent of the total force in theatre. Generally, reservists supporting Operation TELIC have been mobilised between seven and a half and eight months. On mobilisation, employers are informed of the likely period of mobilised service that their employees are expected to serve.