Written question asked by Desmond Swayne (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 December 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 13 December 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the need for additional warm weather clothing and footwear by soldiers on standby for deployment in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 26 November 2001).

Answer: Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the need for additional warm weather clothing and footwear of soldiers on standby for deployment in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [18224] Mr. Ingram: [holding answer 26 November 2001]: We continue carefully to monitor the weather in Afghanistan and will make appropriate judgments on the equipment required by any UK service personnel deploying to the region. Until a decision to deploy troops is taken, and the precise timelines have been agreed, we cannot judge in detail what winter clothing will be required. However, we will as always do everything possible to ensure the safety and welfare of our personnel while deployed on operations, and plans are already in place to ensure that in the event of a further deployment to the region over the winter period, they will be properly equipped for the conditions they are likely to face.

Secondary information