Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 16 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 November 2000. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 November 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list each type of ordnance released by UK aircraft in response to violations of the southern No Fly Zone in Iraq since 20th December 1998, stating in each case the proportion they represent of the overall tonnage of ordnance released by UK aircraft since that date, the estimated cost per unit and the estimated cost of stock replacement in each category; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list each type of ordnance released by UK aircraft in response to violations of the southern No-Fly Zone in Iraq since 20 December 1998, stating in each case the proportion they represent of the overall tonnage of ordnance released by UK aircraft since that date, the estimated cost per unit and the estimated cost of stock replacement in each category; and if he will make a statement. [139704] Mr. Hoon: Between 20 December 1998 and 17 November 2000, the UK has employed only precision guided munitions over the southern No-Fly Zone. Some 85 per cent., by weight, were Paveway II (1,000 lb) Laser Guided Bombs at a unit cost of some £37,000. There are no plans to replace this weapon once current stocks are exhausted. The balance were Paveway III (2,000 lb) Laser Guided Bombs for which the current unit and replacement cost is some £85,000. These precision guided weapons were only employed in self-defence against the Iraqi Integrated Air Defence System, which continues to target coalition aircraft carrying out humanitarian patrols.

Secondary information