§ Adam PriceTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his pre-war assessment of the challenges of post-Saddam Iraq. [130715]
§ The Prime MinisterThe scale of the reconstruction task in Iraq caused by decades of neglect and misrule was greater than expected. But good progress in Iraq is being made despite security setbacks, and Saddam's appalling legacy. The Iraqi Governing Council has appointed Ministers, work is under way on preparing a new constitution, institutions are being rebuilt, the international financial community is engaging, children are receiving better health care and education, and work is in hand to improve the infrastructure deficiencies. We are also giving urgent priority to building up the Police Force, Civil Defence Corps and New Iraqi Army, so that Iraqis assume greater responsibility for their own security.