Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Dr. Fox
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role ISAF forces have in securing the Afghanistan-Iran border; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne
The role of ISAF forces is to assist the Government of Afghanistan in the maintenance of security, to facilitate the development of government structures, extend government control and assist reconstruction and humanitarian efforts. The force with primary responsibility for border security is the Afghan Border Police.

Dr. Fox
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contact he has had with his Italian counterpart on the security situation on the Afghanistan-Iran border in Herat province.

Des Browne
I have regular contact with my Italian counterpart on a number of issues, including the security situation in Afghanistan, where Italy is the lead nation in Herat province.

Dr. Fox
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much monetary compensation was paid to service personnel who had personal belongings stolen en route to Afghanistan as referred to in the answer of 29 October 2007, Official Report, column 940W, on Afghanistan peacekeeping operations; to whom the compensation was paid and in respect of which incidents; and what his Department’s policy is on paying compensation in such circumstances.

Des Browne
All personnel are provided with clear guidance prior to deploying on operations that they should ensure property in transit is adequately insured, as liability is not routinely accepted by the Ministry of Defence and the department does not pay compensation as a matter of course. An insurance allowance is payable towards the cost of insurance.

No compensation was paid by the MOD in relation to the loss of personal belongings in the incidents listed in my answer of 29 October 2007, Official Report, column 940W.

Dr. Fox
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what definition of (a) military equipment and (b) military property was used in the answer of 29 October 2007, Official Report, column 940W, on Afghanistan: peacekeeping operations.

Des Browne
Military equipment and property refer to items owned by the Ministry of Defence and issued for operational use.