§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the relationship between British Armed Forces and the Iraqi Government will be following the handover of power on 30 June 2004. [169381]
§ Mr. HoonThe relationship between British Armed Forces and the Iraqi Government following the assumption of authority on 30 June will be determined primarily by the United Nations Security Council Resolution which we expect to see concluded before 30 June. We envisage that the Resolution will cover amongst other issues the mandate of the Multi-National Force currently authorised by UNSCR1511.
§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what military role British troops will play following the handover of power in Iraq on 30 June 2004; [169384]
(2) what role British troops will play in the new phase of economic, military and political co-operation between the United States of America, the Coalition and the Iraqi civilian government following the handover of power on 30 June 2004. [169383]
§ Mr. HoonFollowing the assumption of authority by the Interim Iraqi Government on 30 June, British troops will contribute to the Multi-National Force in support of the Iraqi Government. We expect that the mandate for the Multi-National Force, which is currently authorised by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1511, will be set out in a further United Nations Security Council Resolution in due course.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of investigations in the case of Gary Bartlam of the 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers; what action has been taken; and what recommendations have been made as a result. [172944]
§ Mr. IngramThe case involving Fusilier Gary Paul Bartlam has been referred to the Army Prosecuting Authority for consideration. I am withholding details under Exemption 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
§ Mr. MaplesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has made to his US counterpart regarding the International Committee of the Red Cross report on the treatment by the Coalition forces of prisoners of war in Iraq. [173405]
§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has made to the US Administration regarding the International Committee of the Red Cross report on the treatment by Coalition forces of prisoners of war in Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [173401]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 14 May 2004]: I have had a recent discussion with Mr Rumsfeld, as part of my regular contact with him. Since before the report came to my attention the US Government has made it clear that allegations of abuse of prisoners are being rigorously investigated and that anyone found to have acted wrongly will be dealt with appropriately.
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§ Tom CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence at how many UK run prisons in Iraq Iraqi prisoners are being held; and where each prison is located. [174354]
§ Mr. IngramThe United Kingdom's only detention facility is in Shaibah
§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each of the weapons containing uranium used in Operation Telic. [174372]
§ Mr. IngramDepleted uranium was contained in 120mm Armour Piercing CHARM 3 rounds fired by the British Challenger II tanks, during Operation Telic. Additionally, 20mm rounds used by the Royal Navy's Close-in Weapons System known as PHALANX, contain depleted uranium. These rounds were fired for calibration purposes only, prior to hostilities.