HC Deb 20 October 2003 vol 411 cc371-2W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Prime Minister what commitments he has given to the President of the United States in relation to the UK's financial contribution to(a) the cost of the provision of troops in and (b) the reconstruction of Iraq. [132754]

The Prime Minister

I have given no commitments to the President of the United States in relation to financial contributions to the provision of troops in, and the reconstruction of, Iraq. The Government are covering the costs of the deployment of British troops and providing some logistical help to Coalition partners operating under UK command in Multi-National Division South East (MND SE).

The Government have pledged a UK financial commitment towards Iraq's reconstruction of £544 million for the three years from April 2003.

David Winnick

To ask the Prime Minister what consultations he has had with the US President over the Iraq Governing Council opposition to Turkish troops being part of the occupying forces; and if he will make a statement. [132832]

The Prime Minister

I regularly discuss the situation in Iraq with President Bush.

The Government is grateful for Turkey's efforts to aid in the reconstruction in Iraq. We welcome the generous offer of Turkish troops and the vote in the Turkish Parliament to approve this in principle. The practicalities of the potential deployment are a matter for the Coalition Provisional Authority and the US and Turkish authorities, taking into full consideration local sensitivities, including those raised by the Iraq Governing Council.

Llew Smith

To ask the Prime Minister when he received the letter on the nuclear weapons time-line in the Iraq Dossier, sent jointly by the hon. Members for Blaenau Gwent and for Hampstead and Highgate (Glenda Jackson) on 27 August; and when he will reply. [133400]

The Prime Minister

I received the letter on 28 August and replied to my hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Glenda Jackson) on 6 October.