HC Deb 26 January 2004 vol 417 c66W
23. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the death of an Iraqi civilian during a demonstration policed by British troops at Al-Amarah. [150176]

Mr. Ingram

Members of the 1st Battalion of the Light Infantry deployed to a riot in A1 Amarah on 10 January to assist the Iraqi Police. Two Iraqis were shot by UK forces, one of whom died. Both were preparing to throw grenades, having already thrown other grenades or explosive devices at UK vehicles, and were a threat to our forces and to local Iraqi civilians.

Tony Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists deployed on Operation Telic have resigned following the operation. [149349]

Mr. Caplin

As at 16 January 2004, 8,694 reservists had been mobilised to support Operation Telic. Of these, 118 had left the reserve forces. Not all departures can be linked directly to Operation Telic. The reasons for leaving include having reached end of engagement, medical discharges, retirement and enlistment into another Service.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many individuals being held by UK forces in Iraq have died in custody; and if he will make a statement. [148578]

Mr. Ingram

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 January 2003,Official Report, column 1123W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr. Cohen).