Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 9 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 July 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the Iraqi prisoners of war captured by British forces have been (a) designated unlawful combatants and (b) transferred to other facilities outside Iraq; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figure.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the Iraqi prisoners of war captured by British forces have been (a) designated unlawful combatants and (b) transferred to other facilities outside Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [125799] Mr. Ingram: As of 15 July 2003, the United States is holding one prisoner of war and 71 other persons captured by British forces, who are either suspected of committing criminal offences or are interned where necessary for imperative reasons of security in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention. All other British captured prisoners of war have been released under the supervision of British forces, and with the knowledge of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The United Kingdom does not use the designation unlawful combatant.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 125799; 409 c403W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Detainees Armed conflict Iraq Prisoners' transfers Location Prisoners of war Iraq conflict Internment
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk