§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps are being taken to reduce delays of convoys into Iraq at the Kuwait/Iraq border. [131140]
§ Mr. RammellI have been asked to reply.
There are two military and one civilian crossing points between Kuwait and Iraq. The former are managed by the Coalition in close co-ordination with the Kuwaiti authorities. The civilian crossing point is under Kuwaiti control.
The flow of traffic at the military crossing points is not currently subject to unacceptable delays. Nevertheless the US, in consultation with UK forces, is working with the Kuwaiti authorities on further expediting the flow of traffic across the border without compromising security. There are longer delays at the civilian crossing point. Because of well-founded concerns over security and smuggling, the Kuwaiti authorities check carefully both people and goods crossing the border. The Coalition and the Kuwaitis are working on ways to reduce the resulting delays while maintaining security.
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will support the opening of a women's resources centre in Basra. [132150]
§ Hilary BennOpportunities for providing support on women's issues in Basra will be identified once the member of staff responsible for gender issues is in place. Initiatives such as a women's centre will be considered alongside other priorities.
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to deploy gender specialists to Iraq. [132152]
§ Hilary BennA member of staff responsible for gender issues is currently on a three-month deployment in Baghdad and a second specialist will shortly begin a six-month deployment in Basra.