Iraq and Afghanistan

HC Deb 14 April 2003 vol 403 c543W

Mr. Howard

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contingency plans he has made for funding an ongoing commitment of British forces in(a) Iraq and (b) Afghanistan. [108464]

Mr. Boateng

The information is as follows:

Iraq

The Chancellor has set aside a total of £3 billion for the military campaign in Iraq to be drawn on by the Ministry of Defence as necessary. This is to cover the costs arising from the current military operation and the immediate humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people that MOD will provide.

Afghanistan

The UK Military forces continue to operate in Afghanistan but at a much lower level than during the period of the overthrow of the Taliban and the successful establishment of the International Security Assistance Force. Funding for such operations in 2003–04 will be provided from the Reserve once the sums have been finalised.