§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has commissioned on the number of civilians(a) killed and (b) injured by cluster submunitions by (i) the International Red Cross and (ii) other agencies in Iraq. [116813]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 5 June 2003]We recognise that unexploded cluster bomblets, and indeed all unexploded ordnance, is a matter of humanitarian concern and we are fully committed to work towards the clearance of unexploded ordnance.
No research has been commissioned by the Ministry of Defence on casualties caused to civilians by cluster munitions.
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reviews have been undertaken by his Department regarding the civilian casualty figures caused by unexploded cluster submunitions in the post-conflict regions of(a) the Gulf, (b) Kosovo and (c) Afghanistan; and what assessment he has made of the impact of these bomblets on Iraqi civilians in the future. [116818]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 5 June 2003]No such reviews and assessments have been undertaken by the Ministry of Defence.