Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 November 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 November 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 1st September 2003, 409 c915W, and the Answer to the honourable Member for Portsmouth South of 15th September 2003 410 c509W, on Operation Telic, when he expects investigations into the fratricide incidents involving United Kingdom forces during Operation Telic to be complete; whether the families of the United Kingdom personnel involved are being advised of developments; and when the outcome of these inquiries will be made public. - Including ref to 15 September 2003 410 c509W.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 1 September 2003, Official Report, column 915W, and the answer to the hon. Member for Portsmouth South (Mr. Hancock) of 15 September 2003, Official Report, column 509W, on Operation Telic, when he expects investigations into the fratricide incidents involving United Kingdom forces during Operation Telic to be complete; whether the families of the United Kingdom personnel involved are being advised of developments; and when the outcome of these inquiries will be made public. [134471] Mr. Ingram: Investigations into incidents of fratricide involving UK forces will take as long as necessary to uncover and accurately assess and interpret all the possible evidence. The families of those involved will be kept informed as matters develop. All will have access to a specialist staff officer from the relevant service. As I informed the House on 15 September (column 509W), we will make a summary of the reports' conclusions available, but only after all related proceedings are entirely complete. To do otherwise would be to risk prejudicing those other proceedings.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 413 c756W; 134471
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Armed conflict Accidents Casualties Families Iraq Iraq conflict
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk