§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of the US Government regarding(a) compensation and (b) other assistance for the Afghan woman, Orfa, whose house in Bibi Mahru was accidentally bombed by a US F-16; on what date he raised the matter with the US; and what response he has received. [102904]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe have discussed the case referred to a number of times with the US since it was first reported in the Guardian in October 2002. The US have indicated that they do not pay claims for compensation arising from combat activities. The US have assisted Afghanistan as a whole with development funding on a substantial scale. We are still discussing this matter with the US authorities and I will seek to keep my hon. Friend informed if there are any developments.