Written question asked by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 16 April 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 April 2007. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Thursday, 19 April 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Detainees

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is still official practice to hood and handcuff Iraqi prisoners and to make them adopt the stress position; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: UK forces are expressly forbidden from hooding any prisoners or making them adopt stress positions under any circumstances. During the transit of prisoners, however, the use of blindfolding (usually with blacked out goggles) is permitted when necessary to prevent compromise of operational security or the safety of detainees through identification by other detainees. Handcuffing of prisoners is permitted when necessary to prevent escape and for the protection of UK troops and/or other detainees.

Secondary information