§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Defence concerning humanitarian contingency plans for Iraq. [105960]
§ Clare ShortI discuss humanitarian planning for Iraq regularly with the Secretary of State for Defence and other Ministers.
My Department has been working closely with the Ministry of Defence to minimise the humanitarian impact of any conflict; both to limit the risks to the Iraqi population and the infrastructure on which they depend, and to ensure that UK forces meet their 747W obligations under the Hague and Geneva Conventions governing armed conflict. DFID has seconded two humanitarian specialists to work with the UK's armed forces and to advise on relief activities.