Iraq: People Captured by British Forces

HL Deb 16 July 2003 vol 651 cc125-6WA

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many people, other than prisoners of war, have been captured by British forces in Iraq and are still being held by them. [HL3803]

Lord Bach

United Kingdom forces have transferred individuals they have captured to the custody of the United States. As at 15 July, the United States were holding, on behalf of the UK one prisoner of war and 71 other persons captured by British forces who are either suspected of committing criminal offences or are interned where necessary for imperative reasons of security in accordance with the fourth Geneva Convention.