Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 December 2002. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 December 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many troops have been deployed in Kuwait in each month since September 2001; and if he will make a statement. - Includes table. (Holding answer 9 December 2002).

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops have been deployed in Kuwait in each month since September 2001; and if he will make a statement. [85372] Mr. Ingram: [holding answer 9 December 2002]: The number of armed forces personnel serving in Kuwait undergoes regular minor fluctuations as working practices and establishment requirements are generated or reviewed, and deployments start or finish for training, liaison and defence diplomacy purposes. The figures given are taken on or near the mid-month point. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Year Number September 2001 471 October 2001 525 November 2001 497 December 2001 482 January 2002 501 February 2002 517 March 2002 502 April 2002 494 May 2002 504 June 2002 497 July 2002 480 August 2002 470 September 2002 588 October 493 November 626 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. The numbers for September and November this year are higher than average because in both months Royal Engineers deployed to Ali Al Salem air base to undertake various necessary building works.

Secondary information