Written question asked by Caroline Spelman (Conservative) on Friday, 12 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 September 2003. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 September 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, if he will make a statement on (a) the humanitarian situation in Iraq and (b) the impact of security on the humanitarian situation.

Answer: Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on (a) the humanitarian situation in Iraq and (b) the impact of security on the humanitarian situation. [130351] Hilary Benn: While significant challenges face the reconstruction effort in Iraq, particularly in the electricity, water supply and oil sectors which have suffered from looting, sabotage and the breakdown of obsolete infrastructure, progress has been made in improving humanitarian conditions for most Iraqis. The public distribution system for food is up and running, most hospitals are in operation, medical supplies are coming into the country, children are being vaccinated and most schools were open by June. Continuing security problems are making the work of humanitarian organisations difficult and often dangerous. The Coalition Provisional Authority is making strenuous efforts to put in place an effective new Iraqi police and justice system, at the same time as coalition forces are being strengthened to help maintain law and order.

Secondary information