Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Bob Spink (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 3 March 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Topical Questions

Question: Like other hon. Members, I have visited Basra and Baghdad, and I have heard incoming fire very early in the mornings. Progress is being made in Basra to harden troops’ canteens and living facilities, but when will we start to make progress in hardening defences for our troops in their sleeping accommodation? Will the Secretary of State give us an undertaking that he will start that process, so that we can give our troops in Basra more protection from incoming rockets?

Answer: The hon. Gentleman is right to identify the need for hardened accommodation, but there are many other ways of improving security for troops against that threat. Changes have been made—I will not go into detail, but I would be happy to let the hon. Gentleman have a private briefing if he wishes—that have significantly improved the personal security of sleeping troops. The changes proved to be very effective against a recent missile strike.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 472 c1450
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Iraq Peacekeeping operations Departmental responsibilities Ministry of Defence
Link: View this Topical question on www.publications.parliament.uk