Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Friday, 12 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 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 c901W, on warehouse looting in Basra, whether UK forces will increase their patrols as a result. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 1 September 2003, Official Report, column 901W, on warehouse looting in Basra, whether UK forces will increase their patrols as a result. [129999] Mr. Ingram: United Kingdom forces currently have 12 personnel from 1st Battalion The Kings Regiment based at the warehouse in Basra. Their role is primarily administrative but also to support and oversee the local Iraqi security guards who are directly responsible for the security of the warehouse. The physical security of the warehouse has been improved, with perimeter fences being secured and better lighting installed, and the guards have successfully apprehended a number of would be looters. UK forces continue to conduct routine patrols in the area of the warehouse. Commanders on the ground-- who are best placed to judge--do not currently judge that there is a need to increase the frequency of these patrols.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 129999; 410 c1153W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Iraq Protection Theft Reconstruction Iraq conflict Basra
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk