Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 2 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 April 2003. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 April 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the system for distributing communications from Territorial Army soldiers deployed in Iraq to their dependants and families.

Answer: Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the system for distributing communications from Territorial Army soldiers deployed in Iraq to their dependants and families. [107734] Dr. Moonie: Territorial Army (TA) personnel mobilised for operations in the Gulf are entitled to the same welfare allowances as Regular soldiers. Within the overall Operational Welfare Package there is a specific communications package to allow the soldiers in theatre to communicate with families and dependants at home. This is achieved through the use of welfare telephones and British Forces Post Office (BFPO) mail. Welfare telephones have been provided in theatre and each soldier is entitled, subject to operational constraints, to a 20 minute per week publicly funded allowance. Free BFPO letters, known as "Blueys" are available to all soldiers in theatre, with current delivery times ranging from between three to six days. Electronic versions, known as "E-Blueys" are also available. The chain of command passes information to families and dependants of soldiers deployed via unit rear parties or the appropriate TA regimental headquarters.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 107734; 403 c298-9W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed conflict Postal services Parcels Reserve forces Iraq conflict British Forces Post Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk