Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 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 long fresh troops sent to Iraq will have for acclimatisation in Iraq before being committed to operational duties; and what period is recommended in medical advice.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long fresh troops sent to Iraq will have for acclimatisation in Iraq before being committed to operational duties; and what period is recommended in medical advice. [124359] Mr. Ingram: Following an initial acclimatisation period of between three to five days, United Kingdom military personnel deploying to Iraq for operational duties gradually increase their work intensity in accordance with in theatre risk assessments. UK military medical advice does not specify a set acclimatisation period, however, personnel are not considered folly acclimatised until they have spent 10 days undergoing activity of a similar level, in the same environmental conditions, at which they will be expected to continue to work.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 124359; 409 c402W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Climate Armed forces Deployment Health Iraq Peacekeeping operations Heatstroke
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk