§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost was of(a) preparations for the invasion of Iraq, (b) the invasion itself and (c) the subsequent occupation in (i) 2002–03 and (ii) 2003–04; and what the estimate of costs is for (A) this financial year and (B) each subsequent financial year. [174156]
§ Tom CoxTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost of the United Kingdom's involvement in Iraq has been since the commencement of military operations. [174352]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Chancellor set aside £3 billion in Budget 2003 as a Special Reserve to cover the cost of operations in Iraq, £1 billion was drawn down by the Ministry of Defence in the Spring Supplementary Estimate for 2002–03.
The remaining £2 billion of this Special Reserve was carried forward to 2003–04. The Ministry of Defence drew down £1,539 million in the 2003–04 Winter and Spring Supplementary Estimates.
In the PER 2003 the Chancellor announced a further £500 million for the Special Reserve in the financial year 2003–04 and a further £300 million for 2004–05 as a prudent allowance to cover Iraq and our continuing international commitment to the war on terrorism.