§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Prime Minister what British planes taking off from the base in Diego Garcia have dropped cluster bombs during the military action in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the use of cluster bombs in Afghanistan, with particular reference to British involvement. [11574]
§ The Prime MinisterNo UK aircraft have directly taken part in the bombing campaign.
The cluster bombs used in Afghanistan are legitimate weapons, which have not been prohibited by any treaty or convention. They are used only with discretion and proportionality, as international law requires, and against legitimate and appropriate terrorist and military targets.
§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with President Bush on the armaments used during the military action in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [11579]
§ The Prime MinisterWe are in close contact with the US on all aspects of the response to the attacks of 11 September, including at the military planning level.