Written question asked by David Congdon (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 November 1996. It was answered by Michael Portillo (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 November 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: Statement on what plans the United Kingdom has for a contribution to a successor to IFOR. - Includes fact that the Government have therefore decided that, in principle, the UK is prepared to make a contribution of some 5,000 ground troops to such a force.

Answer: Mr. Congdon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the United Kingdom has for a contribution to a successor to IFOR; and if he will make a statement. [6775] Mr. Portillo: The international community is still developing its political strategy for Bosnia in 1997 and it remains too early to make any final decisions, but it seems increasingly likely that a military presence will be required to support the continuing civilian effort. The Government have therefor decided that, in principle, the UK is prepared to make a contribution of some 5,000 ground troops to such a force, subject to the outcome of the London conference, to a satisfactory military plan being developed by NATO and to appropriate contributions from our major allies.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6775; 286 c238W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Peacekeeping operations Bosnia and Herzegovina Military implementation force in Bosnia