---

Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures will be put in place to ensure that, in the event of a war with Iraq, British men and women serving in that theatre have adequate opportunity to telephone their families at reasonable cost; what discounted rates his Department has negotiated with mobile phone operators for Service personnel on active duty; and if he will make a statement. [95090] Mr. Ingram: The Ministry of Defence recognises the importance of regular communication between deployed Service personnel and their families. Consequently, although no decision has been taken to commit HM forces to military action in the Gulf, it is our intention to implement the Operational Welfare Package (OWP) for those personnel deployed to the Gulf region, where the infrastructure and environment allow. The OWP includes a comprehensive communications element to enable deployed Service personnel to remain in contact with their families. This will entitle personnel to 20 minutes of publicly-funded telephone calls per week, and they will also be able to purchase additional telephone minutes. The cost of additional minutes will vary between locations, reflecting the varying types of communications system that will be installed. However, in most cases, the rate will be lower than that charged by commercial mobile telephone companies. The OWP will also allow Service personnel to send and receive emails, to access the internet and to send and receive free forces aerogrammes (blueys) and electronic blueys. Finally, deployed personnel and their families will be entitled to concessionary mail and parcel charges, which will allow them to send and receive letters and parcels at subsidised rates.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

95090; 399 c287W;399 c286-7W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Armed forces Armed conflict Fees and charges Families Iraq Discounts Email Mobile phones Postal services Parcels Telephones Iraq conflict

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk