Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 July 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 July 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many British troops have been deployed to the Congo; what their role is; and if he will make a statement on the progress of joint operations with other allied troops. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops have been deployed to the Congo; what their role is; and if he will make a statement on the progress of joint operations with other allied troops. [124048] Mr. Ingram: As at 7 July, 88 United Kingdom troops were deployed as part of the EU-led multinational force in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Operation ARTEMIS). The majority of these troops are Royal Engineers whose role is to improve the quality and size of Bunia airport, which is of vital importance given the remoteness of the region. The remainder are staff officers and support personnel. A further six UK military personnel are deployed as part of the UN Mission (MONUC), based in Kinshasa. Operations by the EU-led force have gone well and Bunia is reported as calm, although the situation remains volatile.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 124048; 408 c700W;408 c698W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Peacekeeping operations Democratic Republic of the Congo
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk