Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 March 2003. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 31 March 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What steps he is taking to secure the Iraq/Iran border. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentic: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to secure the Iraq/Iran border. [105463] Mr. Hoon: The area in Southern Iraq in which United Kingdom forces are operating includes a significant segment of the Iraq/Iran border. UK forces are responsible for ensuring the security of the whole of the area under their control. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government is making every effort to liaise closely with the Iranian authorities to reduce the scope for any potential misunderstandings. We see no need to take special measures relating to the security of the Iraq/ Iran border.

Secondary information