Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Monday, 28 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 June 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 June 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures were taken by Coalition forces to protect the contents of museums in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities during the recent conflict.

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures were taken by Coalition forces to protect the contents of museums in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities during the recent conflict. [110603] Mr. Ingram: Throughout the military campaign, Coalition forces have taken tremendous care to ensure that damage to museums and other sites of historic, archaeological or cultural importance has been minimised. Great care was taken to ensure that such sites were not targeted by Coalition aircraft. Ground troops were briefed on the need to be especially careful while conducting operations in the vicinity of these sites. Some looting was reported as Iraq was being liberated, during which time Coalition forces were engaged in other high priority tasks, including war- fighting operations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 110603; 406 c294W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed conflict Cultural heritage Archaeological sites Iraq Museums and galleries Iraq conflict
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk