§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when requests were received from the United States for additional infantry for possible military action against Iraq; whether they have been agreed to; and if he will make a statement. [104000]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 20 March 2003]: I have not received any requests from the United States for additional infantry. However, I refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement on 13 March 2003, Official Report, column 20WS, in which I announced the deployment of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment and 202 Field Hospital (Volunteer). Respectively, these will provide additional infantry and medical capability to Headquarters 1 (UK) Armoured Division, so that it can respond to a range of potential tasks and circumstances.