HC Deb 13 March 2003 vol 401 cc385-6W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of water by troops stationed in Kuwait for personal hygiene; and what estimate he has made of the amount of water military personnel will consume per day. [102252]

Mr. Ingram

Water for the personal hygiene of troops deployed in Kuwait is being provided under a joint UK/US arrangement. This provides for showers and ablutions. No specific consumption rates are being applied. Bottled drinking water is provided at a rate of six litres per person per day. All personnel are advised to ensure that they adhere to the recommended consumption levels in order to avoid the effects of dehydration.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many press officers from his Department he has sent to Kuwait in each of the last eight weeks. [102248]

Mr. Ingram

In the eight weeks since 13 January, the Department has deployed two press officers—defined as members of the Government Information and Communication Service—to Kuwait. The first officer departed during the week beginning 24 February and the second in the week beginning 3 March.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what menus are being used for troops stationed in Kuwait; and what plans he has to place troops on food rations. [102251]

Mr. Ingram

A wide variety of menus are available for troops stationed in Kuwait to ensure that they receive the required daily calorific intake and a balanced nutritional diet. Troops currently receive a hot meal for both breakfast and evening meal, while lunch comprises a US ration pack ready-to-eat meal provided under a joint US/UK arrangement. Operational ration packs have been deployed for use, if necessary and as required, in the event of any military action.

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