Written question asked by Iain Duncan Smith (Conservative) on Tuesday, 3 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 6 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Friday, 6 April 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the Armed Forces were deployed in the first instance in support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to deal with the foot and mouth outbreak; and how many members of the armed forces were so deployed on 3rd April. - Inc figure.

Answer: Mr. Duncan Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces were deployed in the first instance in support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to deal with the foot and mouth outbreak; and how many members of the armed forces were so deployed on 3 April. [157418] Mr. Spellar: In response to initial requests from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), a small number of military specialists--vets and logistic planners--were deployed on 16 March to help in dealing with the foot and mouth outbreak. Since then, the armed forces have continued to respond to further requests for support. The total number of troops deployed as at 3 April was 1,544. Additional troops are on reduced notice to move, pending further requests for assistance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 157418; 366 c294W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Disease control Foot and mouth disease Military aid
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk