Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 31 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 November 2000. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what tonnage of ordnance has been released by (a) coalition and (b) UK aircraft in operations to maintain the southern no-fly-zones in Iraq from 17th May to date; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures. (Holding answer 7 November 2000).

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what tonnage of ordnance has been released by (a) coalition and (b) UK aircraft in operations to maintain the southern no-fly zone in Iraq from 17 May to date; and if he will make a statement. [136594] Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 7 November 2000]: Between 18 May and 31 October 2000 coalition aircraft patrolling the southern no-fly zone released some 60 tonnes of ordnance. The UK element of this figure was some 11 per cent. These weapons were released in self-defence in response to Iraqi threats to coalition aircraft.

Secondary information