Written question asked by Keith Simpson (Conservative) on Monday, 23 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 October 2006. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 October 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Middle East

Question: (2) whether the UK plans to provide any further support to the UNIFIL Maritime Task Force; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 26 October 2006]: The UK provided HMS York to a UN-sponsored temporary maritime task force in early September. This task force was replaced by a follow-on force under UNIFIL command, on 15 October; we do not plan to provide any further maritime support. We have offered to provide support in other areas, including use of our sovereign base areas on Cyprus, and provision of a naval logistician to assist the UN. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK pays a premium contribution to the costs of UN operations.

Secondary information