Written question asked by Caroline Spelman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 April 2003. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Monday, 14 April 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make a statement on the role of her Department's officials seconded to the Ministry of Defence; and whether they will remain in the Ministry of Defence (a) for the duration of the war in Iraq and (b) to influence the postwar reconstruction of Iraq.

Answer: Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the role of her Department's officials seconded to the Ministry of Defence; and whether they will remain in the Ministry of Defence (a) for the duration of the war in Iraq and (b) to influence the postwar reconstruction of Iraq. [108882] Clare Short: My Department has seconded two humanitarian advisers to the Ministry of Defence to assist UK forces in the provision of humanitarian assistance as part of their obligations under the Geneva Convention and Hague Regulations governing armed conflict. DFID advisors will provide advice for as long as it is necessary for the military to engage in the humanitarian response. The UK is committed to humanitarian assistance being provided by civilian agencies wherever possible. The military fully appreciates the need to hand over to humanitarian agencies as soon as the situation allows.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 108882; 403 c518W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Civil servants Department for International Development Government departments Iraq Ministry of Defence Secondment Departmental coordination
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk