Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 April 2003. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the use of cluster bombs in urban areas of Iraq; how many cluster bombs have been used by British forces in the campaign; and what efforts are being made to minimise the risk to civilians of the use of cluster bombs. - Includes figures and ref to 14 April 2003 at 403 c571W and 11 April 2003 at 403 c423W. (Holding answer 14 April 2003).

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of cluster bombs in urban areas of Iraq; how many cluster bombs have been used by British forces in the campaign; and what efforts are being made to minimise the risk to civilians of the use of cluster bombs. [108808] Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 14 April 2003]: On the use of cluster bombs in urban areas in Iraq, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 14 April Official Report, column 571W to the hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Mr. Price), which also explains the provisions in international law to minimise the risk to civilians. On efforts to minimise the risk to the civilian population, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 11 April Official Report, column 423W to my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Mr. Caton). As of 9 April, United Kingdom Forces have dropped some 66 RBL755 cluster bombs in Iraq.

Secondary information