Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Monday, 8 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Labour) on Monday, 22 March 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What assessment he has made of the extent of collateral damage inflicted during the recent bombing of Iraq; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the extent of collateral damage inflicted during the recent bombing of Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [75982] Mr. George Robertson: US and British aircraft act only in self defence, in response to Iraqi aggression. They attack only legitimate military targets which pose a real threat to coalition forces and use only precision guided munitions wherever there is a danger of collateral damage. However, military action is never without risk and I deeply regret any civilian casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure. There would be no such risk if Saddam stopped threatening coalition forces. It is Saddam's continued aggression which potentially puts innocent civilians in harm's way.

Secondary information