Written question asked by Bob Spink (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 Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 14 April 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what guidance he will issue to members of the public who want to collect items and send them to (a) British service men and women serving in the Gulf and (b) Iraqi civilians including children, in order to assist their welfare; to what address items can be sent; what items are most needed by each group; what weight limits would be placed on any parcels; and when such deliveries may be likely to be appropriate.

Answer: Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance he will issue to members of the public who want to collect items and send them to (a) British service men and women serving in the Gulf and (b) Iraqi civilians including children, in order to assist their welfare; to what address items can be sent; what items are most needed by each group; what weight limits would be placed on any parcels; and when such deliveries may be likely to be appropriate. [108903] Mr. Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement of 8 April 2003, Official Report, column 15WS and 10 April 2003, Official Report, columns 32-34WS. The Ministry of Defence is not an appropriate conduit for items intended for Iraqi civilians, which are best handled by charitable organisations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 108903; 403 c571-2W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed forces Civilians Humanitarian aid Iraq Postal services Iraq conflict
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk