§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the terms of reference are of the Committee appointed by Major General Robin Brims to run Basra; how many people have been appointed; how many of these are women; and if he will list their names. [109214]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 14 April 2003]: United Kingdom Forces under the command of the General Officer Commanding 1st (UK) Armoured Division, are establishing interim consultative groups across the provinces of Basra and Maysan. These groups have no formal terms of reference. Their purpose is to help restore public administration and services. The number of appointees is increasing as the groups are established. Membership of the groups is open, to date there are no women representatives but we are actively seeking their participation. Because the status of the groups has yet to be formalised, I do not intend to list the names of their members, who may in any event not wish their involvement to be publicised.
§ Mr CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what latest estimate he has had of the death toll from current hostilities in Iraq amongst (a) UK forces (b) US forces (c) Iraqi forces (d) Iraqi civilians and (e) other civilian non-combatants. [110267]
§ Mr. StringerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his latest estimate is of the number of non-combatants killed in Iraq since 19 March. [111460]
§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians are estimated to have been killed in Iraq by British armed forces in the recent conflict. [112007]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 7 May 2003]: As of 6 May 2003, 34 United Kingdom Service personnel had died during coalition military operations against Iraq.
The number of fatalities suffered by US forces is a matter for the US authorities.
We make every effort to minimise any impact on the Iraqi civilian population. We have no means of ascertaining the numbers of Iraqi military personnel or civilians, or other civilians who were killed or injured during the coalition's military action.
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the book value is of ordnance, ammunition and missiles used up in the course of the conduct of operations in Iraq; how such book cost is calculated; what categories of munitions were used; and to what extent supplies will need to be replenished. [112087]
§ Mr. IngramThe cost for 2002–03 is being calculated. Once it has been audited and approved by the National Audit Office I will write to the hon Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House. I will also cover 2003–04 estimates.