Written question asked by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 March 2003. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 March 2003 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions her Department has had with the Ministry of Defence on how military strategy can minimise and mitigate the risks of conflict to the Iraqi people; what advice her Department has given the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces on how best to discharge their humanitarian responsibilities under the (a) Hague and (b) Geneva Conventions.

Answer: Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what discussions her Department has had with the Ministry of Defence on how military strategy can minimise and mitigate the risks of conflict to the Iraqi people; [104355] (2) what advice her Department has given the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces on how best to discharge their humanitarian responsibilities under the (a) Hague and (b) Geneva Conventions. [104356] Clare Short: My Department has been in close discussion with the Ministry of Defence over many months working to minimise the humanitarian impact of any conflict; both to minimise the risks to the Iraqi population and the infrastructure on which they depend, and to ensure that UK forces meet their obligations under the Hague and Geneva conventions governing armed conflict. We have seconded two humanitarian specialists to work with the armed forces (UK 1 Division) and to advise on relief activities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 402 c237W; 104355;104356
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed conflict Development aid Casualties Civilians Humanitarian aid Geneva Conventions Iraq Iraq conflict Rules of engagement
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk