§ 14. Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)What has been the total sum paid from the Contingency Fund for the Gulf War operations. [116616]
§ The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Andrew Smith)No advances have been made from the contingencies fund this year in respect of Gulf war operations. I can also confirm that there have been no claims during the current financial year on the Departmental expenditure limit reserve in respect of operations in the Gulf. Any on-going Gulf related expenditure is met from within the Ministry of Defence's budget.
§ Mr. DalyellHas the Chief Secretary any figures for the annual cost of our Iraq commitment?
§ Mr. SmithI do. As a direct result of operations in the Gulf since the conflict began in 1990, the estimates were as follows: for 1999–2000, £30 million; for 1997–98, £16 million; and for 1996–97, £6 million. The total since 1990 is £580 million, and I shall give my hon. Friend the details for the other years.