Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Earl of Onslow (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 22 February 2010.

Afghanistan: Improvised Explosive Devices

Question: My Lords, bomb disposal officers and NCOs are highly trained and extremely valuable. Is the noble Baroness satisfied that the casualty rates among bomb disposal officers and NCOs are not too high, and are we having difficulty in recruiting and training enough members of those units?

Answer: My Lords, it is true that unfortunately we have had several casualties. These soldiers are highly trained, very brave and take a great number of risks on behalf of their colleagues. Those who undertake this kind of work are volunteers, and it has been possible to find volunteers to undergo the training at present. We are continually in the process of trying to expand the skills that we have in this area. However, we should be under no illusions about the dangers that these people face. We should all be very grateful for the work that they undertake.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 717 c808
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Defence equipment Bomb disposal Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan ISAF Improvised explosive devices
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk