§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost of the war in Iraq to the Exchequer has been to date; and if he will make a statement on his current forecast of the likely total cost. [139823]
§ Mr. BoatengSo far MOD has drawn down £1 billion in last year's spring Supplementary Estimate and Parliament will be invited to make any further provision for 2003–04 in this year's winter and spring Supplementary Estimates.
The Chancellor announced in the Budget that £3 billion is set aside to cover the cost of operations in Iraq. It would be premature to anticipate the total costs of the military operation at this time.