Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 28 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 March 2008. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 March 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces who are (a) deployed and (b) awaiting deployment to (i) Iraq and (ii) Afghanistan have not been issued with a pair of Midel or Magnum boots; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Since July 2007, members of the UK armed forces deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan have been provided with a pair of Meindl desert boots and a pair of Magnum desert boots as standard. Troops deploying for the winter months are also provided with an additional pair of boots designed for cold and wet conditions.Following a further study of the optimum arrangements, and as stocks allow, deploying troops will be given the option to choose Lowe desert boots as an alternative to Meindl boots.

Secondary information