Written question asked by Lord Clarke of Nottingham (Conservative) on Friday, 25 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 November 2005. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

White Phosphorus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions white phosphorus weapons have been used by British forces during the invasion and occupation of Iraq; and at what level of command their use was authorised.

Answer: British armed forces have used white phosphorus on Operation Telic in Iraq primarily as a smoke screen to provide cover and thus protection for our soldiers, or for target illumination. Its use in Iraq is a tactical decision authorised by commanders on the ground. Although white phosphorus does have a recognised anti-personnel effect, our armed forces go to great lengths to ensure that civilian and non-combatants are not harmed during operations; guidelines issued to British military personnel on its use emphasise that it should not be deployed as an anti-personnel weapon. Information on the number of occasions it has been used by British armed forces in Iraq is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 440 c1682W;440 c1682W; 33282
Session: 2005-06
Related items: White Phosphorus
Monday, 27 February 2006
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Iraq Peacekeeping operations Weapons White phosphorus
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk