§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to initiate research into the cost of a possible conflict with Iraq; and if he will make a statement.[91196]
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision he has made for financing an attack on Iraq. [92976]
§ Mr. BoatengNo decision on military action in Iraq has been taken. We still await the outcome of the weapon inspection process under UN Security Council Resolution 1441.
However, the Chancellor announced a contingency reserve of £1 billion in the Pre-Budget Report to help meet our international defence responsibilities. The Ministry of Defence has been drawing down this amount to meet the cost of preparation. The Chancellor has now announced an additional three-quarters of a billion to be made available in this financial year for further commitments should this prove necessary.