Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 July 2007. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 3 September 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Peace Keeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what risk assessments have been carried out on (a) RAF and (b) Army accommodation in Basra with particular reference to (i) overhead protection and (ii) protection from shrapnel; what action (A) was taken and (B) is planned as a result; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: There is no distinction made in an operational theatre on the standard of accommodation, or protection afforded to it, on the basis of service.Commanders in theatre keep all force protection measures including that of accommodation under constant review, against an ever-evolving threat and a number of measures are being developed to further improve protection.Force protection arrangements in Basra employ multiple layers of defence. This is in addition to operations to disrupt attacks against UK forces and other protective equipment, tactics, techniques and procedures designed to minimise the chance of a successful attack. Details of these measures cannot be released as disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of the armed forces.

Secondary information