Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 2 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 April 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 7 April 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the daily handling capacity of each of the ports in Southern Iraq is; what the estimated daily required (a) military supplies and (b) humanitarian supplies are; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the daily handling capacity of each of the ports in southern Iraq is; what the estimated daily required (a) military supplies and (b) humanitarian supplies are; and if he will make a statement. [107495] Mr. Ingram: There are six ports in southern Iraq. We are currently conducting an assessment of the facilities at one of these, Umm Qasr. Until this assessment is complete, we will not be able to determine its handling capacity. Reliable information on the handling capacity of the other ports in Iraq is not available. The requirement for military supplies varies according to the needs of the operation and supplies are provided in accordance with those needs. We have no immediate plans to deliver military supplies through Umm Qasr. While combat operations in southern Iraq continue, it will be very difficult to carry out a full assessment of the requirement for humanitarian aid. However, initial assessments suggest a requirement for water, medical supplies and, potentially, food.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 107495; 403 c10-1W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed conflict Development aid Defence equipment Humanitarian aid Iraq Freight Ports Transport Iraq conflict
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk