HC Deb 10 May 2004 vol 421 c121W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many incidents of(a) unlawful destruction of property and (b) collective punishment there were in each month since the end of the original major conflict in Iraq, in the sector controlled by the British occupying forces. [168078]

Mr. Rammell

The UK strongly denies allegations that we have been involved in collective punishments, including the destruction of property, and would fully investigate any such allegation. Where property or land has been destroyed during the course of coalition activities we understand that the owners have been compensated.

Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether all public servants acting on behalf of the United Kingdom in Iraq after the hand-over of sovereignty will continue to enjoy legal immunity in Iraqi law. [170184]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

We are finalising the detailed arrangements for the transition. An important element of those arrangements will be to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard the legal position of UK public servants after the handover of power to the Iraqi Interim Government.