HC Deb 19 November 2001 vol 375 cc16-7W
Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his estimate is of the number of Afghan civilians killed as a result of allied coalition use of bombs and missiles since military action began; and if he will publish the total of civilians killed in Afghanistan as a result of allied forces for each day until military action ends. [14264]

Mr. Ingram

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave on 9 November 2001,Official Report, column 432W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn).

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance has been provided to the(a) print and (b) broadcast media in respect of the (i) publication and (ii) broadcast of details of the activities of (A) British armed forces and (B) the SAS since military activities started in Afghanistan. [14690]

Mr. Hoon

Guidance to the media on areas where public disclosure could damage UK security and other interests is set out in standing Defence Advisory Notices. These are established by the Defence Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee (DPBAC) which consists of representatives from Government and the media. The Committee's main task is to oversee a voluntary code which operates between Departments who have responsibility for national security and the media. Further information is set out in the DPBAC website www.dnotice.org.uk.

Since the terrorists attacks of 11 September, the Secretary of the DPBAC has written twice to editors, enlarging on the general advice in the standing Defence Advisory Notices and reminding them to consult him if considering publication of details which might endanger lives and/or operations.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what languages were used for the labelling of(a) cluster bombs, (b) food parcels and (c) leaflets dropped in Afghanistan; [15773]

(2) what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the labelling on (a) cluster bombs, (b) food parcels and (c) leaflets dropped in Afghanistan with reference to the literacy rate among the Afghan population. [15820]

Mr. Ingram

I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.