Written question asked by Lord Hayhoe (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Drayson (Labour) on Thursday, 1 December 2005.

Iraq: White Phosphorus Munitions

Question: Whether British Armed Forces in Iraq have used white phosphorus; if so, on how many occasions; and with what intention.

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. Although white phosphorus does have a recognised anti-personnel effect, we go to great lengths to ensure that civilian and non-combatants are not harmed during operations and 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 can only be provided at disproportionate effort.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2413; 676 c65-6WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Iraq: White Phosphorous Munitions
Monday, 19 December 2005
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Ammunition Armed forces Armed conflict Deployment Iraq Peacekeeping operations Iraq conflict White phosphorus
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk