§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Ivor Caplin)On 3 October 2003, following the expiry of the call-out order made last October, I signed a new call-out order—made under the Reserve Forces Act 1996—to allow reservists to continue to be called out in support of stabilisation and reconstruction operations in Afghanistan. The new order is effective until 30 September 2004.
Over 230 reservists were called out under the order made last October. We are most grateful for their continuing commitment and the invaluable contribution they and their employers make to this operation.
I have also authorised the Military Secretary to call out special members of the reserve forces, known as sponsored reserves, who are involved with the heavy equipment transporter contract. They will support operations in Iraq, with about 10 reservists deployed at any one time.