HC Deb 16 November 2001 vol 374 cc954-5W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 2001,Official Report, column 874, on Afghanistan, what his estimate is of how many civilians have been killed as a result of Coalition action; and how many actions have caused unintended (a) injury and (b) damage. [15623]

Mr. Ingram

We cannot estimate the number of civilian casualties or the number of actions that have caused unintended injury or damage because we have no means of independently verifying the allegations made in Afghanistan.

As has regularly been made clear in the House, our targeting processes are rigorous and every effort is made to avoid civilian casualties and damage to non-military equipment and buildings.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of British forces in Afghanistan. [15343]

Mr. Hoon

I refer my hon. Friend to the statement my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the House on 14 November 2001,Official Report, columns 861–79.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 2001,Official Report, column 874W, on Afghanistan, how many claims of damage to civilian life and property have been carefully investigated; which agencies are responsible for investigating such claims; and if he will place (a) copies of those claims and (b) the results of the investigations made by the Coalition in the Library. [15629]

Mr. Ingram

I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 2001,Official Report, column 874W, on Afghanistan, how many battle damage assessment reports he has received; and how many attacks on a target were over 50 per cent. successful. [15628]

Mr. Ingram

I receive regular Battle Damage Assessment reports and am kept updated on significant developments. The success of missions is not measured in terms of a percentage but against the achievement of military objectives. Our objectives of destroying terrorist camps and creating the right conditions for future action in Afghanistan, including possible humanitarian or stabilisation operations, have been met. As recent events show, we are also making progress on our objective of limiting the Taliban's ability to protect and support Osama bin Laden and the al-Quaeda organisation.