§ 33. Harry CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the additional contingency fund set aside in his pre-Budget statement for defence purposes. [85283]
§ Mr. BoatengThe £1 billion special reserve is available to cover costs of military and overseas operations this year to ensure the UK can continue to play a leading role in the global war against terror.
No decisions have been taken about any future UK military contribution in the Middle East, although prudent contingency planning is taking place. Indeed no UK contribution will be needed if Saddam complies with UNSCR 1441.
£1 billion represents a prudent allocation at this time but makes no assumption about the nature of any UK contribution to international efforts in Iraq or elsewhere.