§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date his Department received reports and representations from the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the conditions of fighters held in Shibergan prison in Afghanistan; and what action his Department has taken. [58828]
§ Mr. HoonWe have not received such reports from the International Committee of the Red Cross, although we understand the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have received the EU Special Representative's report on the camp. Security considerations have so far prevented British embassy staff in Kabul from visiting these prisons. But they are in contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross, which closely monitors the situation and welfare of all prisoners in Afghanistan.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether aircrew and aircraft maintenance staff on non-UK aircraft leased for the transport and supply of UK forces in Afghanistan are security-cleared. [59725]
754W
§ Mr. HoonI am withholding details of security arrangements in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what acclimatisation measures are necessary for operations in mountain terrain; what acclimatisation measures were taken by Royal Marines in preparation for action in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [58865]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 24 May 2002]: Acclimatisation for operations in mountain terrain depends, in the first instance, on personal physical fitness. As the British armed forces mountain and cold climate specialists, the Royal Marines pay particular attention to this at all times. More specifically, they undertake annual mountain training in climbing, navigation and 'living' techniques, and every year a detachment spends three months training in Norway.
It is standard requirement for units to undertake pre-operational acclimatisation training. Prior to commencing operations, personnel of 45 Commando were deployed to Afghanistan for up to 10 days. This period ended with Operation Ptarmigan, which gave our forces vital experience of operating in Afghanistan.
As a result of this careful planning, the number of cases of ill-effects from altitude and cold reported by 45 Commando have been well within the predicted parameters.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to ensure that logistics and supply of forces in Afghanistan are not compromised by unserviceable C17 transport aircraft; what extra costs have been incurred as a result of unserviceable C17 aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [59233]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 24 May 2002]: Throughout operations in Afghanistan, C17 aircraft have flown missions continuously, performing fully up to our expectations and meeting predicted serviceability parameters. Consequently, no extra costs have been incurred as a result of unserviceable C17 aircraft.
§ Matthew GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians have been(a) killed and (b) injured in the military action in Afghanistan to date; how many of these have been children; and if he will make a statement. [60063]
§ Mr. HoonI refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 12 December 2002,Official Report, column 860W, to my hon. Friends the Members for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Lynne Jones) and for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham).