Iraq: Costs of Military Action and Reconstruction

HL Deb 07 June 2004 vol 662 cc20-1WA

Lord Astor of Hever

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps the Treasury is taking to "effectively manage the financial consequences of military action in Iraq, "as stated on page 3 of its annual report (Cm 6222); and HL3030]

What steps the Treasury is taking to "effectively manage the financial consequences of reconstruction in Iraq, "as stated on page 3 its Annual Report (Cm 6222). [HL3031]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

As set out in the Budget, the Government's latest projections for the public finances take into account the expected financial consequences of the UK's involvement in Iraq.

The Treasury regularly scrutinises costs to ensure that spending on the operations in Iraq is both efficient and cost effective.

UK contributions to Iraq reconstruction, totalling £544 million over three years from April 2003, are being funded through reprioritisation of existing budgets. The UK's commitment to increase aid to the world's poorest countries is not affected.