Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 22 February 2010.

Afghanistan: Improvised Explosive Devices

Question: My Lords, I associate myself and Members on these Benches with the condolences just expressed by the Minister. Does she agree that it is imperative, when we are operating closely and in similar circumstances with our allies, that any information derived by our allies when testing equipment should immediately be made available to us, and that that should be reciprocated when we test equipment of our own?

Answer: My Lords, a very comprehensive memorandum of understanding is in place between ourselves and the United States and, indeed, with other allies on counter-IED measures. It includes everything from intelligence to the equipment that can be used, although I would point out that equipment is only a small part of our defences against these particularly obnoxious devices. We do of course include our allies in terms of sharing information and we use the information that they give us, but often we are operating in somewhat different circumstances, so we cannot always bolt on what others may use. However, we take into account the experience and daily evidence that we can get from our allies.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 717 c807-8
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Disclosure of information Defence equipment Bomb disposal Peacekeeping operations USA Afghanistan ISAF Improvised explosive devices
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk