Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 29 June 2006.

Iraq: UK Forces

Question: My Lords, visits to troops on operational duties may be burdensome, but why can we not have more visits by Ministers to troops who are about to leave for Iraq and Afghanistan? I also thank my noble friend for his Answers to my series of Questions on this matter.

Answer: My Lords, my noble friend is right. Understanding the operational commitments and demands on our forces is not simply a matter of visiting troops on operations; it is also important to make necessary visits to troops before and after operations and the most of ministerial visits which are a part of our departmental responsibilities. I have responsibility for equipment. When, for example, I visited the Commander-in-Chief Land to review our Armed Forces’ equipment, particularly armed fighting vehicles, I talked to troops about their experiences in the field. Such visits are essential to our role.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 683 c1317
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Armed forces Civil servants Iraq Peacekeeping operations Ministers Ministry of Defence Visits abroad
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk