§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what injuries were sustained by members of the RAF in the threats and attacks on coalition planes in Iraq in 2001; and if he will make a statement. [44741]
§ Mr. IngramRAF aircraft patrolling as part of the international coalition's enforcement of the no-fly zones over Iraq are regularly attacked by Iraqi air defences, including anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles. Owing to the skill of RAF aircrew, their training, equipment, tactics and support, none were hit in 2001, and no aircrew were injured. This record has been maintained this year to date.