Written question asked by Mark Francois (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 December 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2006. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 8 January 2007 on behalf of the Treasury.

Iraq and Afghanistan

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the reason is for the change in the amount he allocated to fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan between the 2006 Budget and the 2006 Pre-Budget Report.

Answer: The costs of military operations are met from the reserves (including both the capital and resource reserves). They are subject to fluctuation as a result of operational developments and other factors. Budget 2006 announced £800 million of provision in the special reserve to help meet the resource costs of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and other international commitments.The MOD has drawn down provision in their Winter Supplementary Estimate for the current additional estimated costs.

Secondary information