Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Monday, 18 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 May 2009. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Richmond (Yorks) of 15 May 2009, Official Report, column 1061W, on departmental public expenditure, for what reason the administration allocation for the Basra post was reduced from £6,800,947 in 2007-08 to £1,426,582 in 2008-09; what categories of cost are now incurred at this post; and how much staff security at the post cost in the latest period for which figures are available.

Answer: Since 1 April 2008 funds for major contracts in Iraq have been managed from London as this is more cost-effective. The funds managed at Post are for local running costs.The total allocations for London and Posts in Iraq Directorate for financial year (FY) 2007-08 were £39.2 million. In FY 2008-09 total allocations reduced to £36.1 million. The decrease in allocation was because of the renegotiation of major contracts, which led to lower costs while maintaining appropriate levels of security for our staff.Costs incurred at Basra include those for security, transport, medical, catering and other life support costs.The value of the contracts for security at Basra in 2008-09 was £4.2 million.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 494 c72W; 276798
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Departmental Public Expenditure
Friday, 15 May 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Iraq Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk