HC Deb 29 March 2004 vol 419 cc1143-4W
Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the security situation in Iraq. [163775]

Mr. Hoon

The security situation in Iraq remains difficult, with crime a particular problem. The vast majority of terrorist attacks against Iraqi and Coalition security forces and civilians continue to occur to the North and West of Baghdad. Much of the country is calm, however, and normal life is resuming without incident. Around 75,000 Iraqi police are now on duty and more are being trained.

I am sure the House would wish to join me in congratulating British forces for the courage and restraint they showed in calming the recent unrest in Basrah.

Mr. Keetch

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action has been taken in each of the cases where successful claims for compensation have been paid to Iraqis alleging injury by UK forces; and if he will make a statement. [148005]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 19 January 2004]I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers serving in Iraq have been treated for stress; and if he will make a statement. [162596]

Mr. Caplin

Stress may cause a wide-range of medical conditions. As at 25 March 2004, 120 members of the United Kingdom armed forces had been evacuated from Iraq for psychiatric reasons. We do not record centrally whether individual cases are stress-related.