To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines govern the advance notice to be given of a battalion’s flight dates prior to deployment on operations overseas; and if he will make a statement. (130251)

It is established practice that we give all our soldiers the maximum flight notice possible. Battalions are normally notified of the departure date between 10 and 30 days in advance and actual flight timings are notified at least 10 days in advance.

There may be occasions where unavoidable factors, either operational or aircraft related, result in further changes to the day or time of a flight. In all cases, battalions are contacted as soon as changes appear likely.