HL Deb 27 February 1991 vol 526 c52WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it was within the authority of the military commanders of the "coalition" to decide that air attacks should be launched against targets in built-up areas, and from which governments is legal advice available on the spot on the compatibility of these raids with the laws of war and the Geneva Conventions.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (The Earl of Arran)

It is Allied policy only to attack military targets and facilities which support Iraq's illegal occupation of Kuwait, and to make every possible effort to minimise civilian casualties. This is entirely in accordance with the rules of war and the Geneva Conventions. The extraordinary measures that Allied air forces have taken to avoid causing civilian casualties demonstrate clearly that Allied military commanders are working strictly within this policy.