§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total weight of bombs dropped by British forces on Iraq(a) during Operation Desert Fox and (b) subsequently. [75671]
§ Mr. George RobertsonDuring Operation DESERT FOX in December last year, a total of 28,560kg of bombs were dropped by British forces on Iraqi military targets. Subsequently, British forces have dropped 20,520kg of bombs in the course of operations over Iraq.
§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent RAF pilots forced down in Iraq will be protected by the terms of the Geneva Convention; and if he will make a statement. [75670]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Geneva Conventions are applicable in any international armed conflict, whether or not a state of war exists between the parties; the application of the Conventions are not dependent upon a formal declaration of war or hostilities. Accordingly, any of our aircrew forced down in Iraq would be entitled to the status of prisoners of war. We would expect Iraq to meet all its obligations under international law, including all applicable international conventions.