HC Deb 02 February 2004 vol 417 c639W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his latest estimate is of the cost of United Kingdom military operations in Iraq. [151656]

Mr. Boateng

Of the £3 billion set aside by the Chancellor in last year's Budget to cover the cost of operations in Iraq, £1 billion was drawn down in the spring Supplementary Estimate for 2002–03. The remaining £2 billion of this special reserve has been carried forward to 2003–04.

In the recent PBR the Chancellor announced a further £500 million set aside for this financial year and a further £300 million for 2004–05 as a prudent allowance to cover Iraq and our continuing international commitment to the war on terrorism.

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