Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 March 2003. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 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 assessment she has made of the impact on Iraqi civilians, in terms of (a) hunger and (b) disease, of military hostilities against Iraq. - Inc figure.

Answer: Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact on Iraqi civilians, in terms of (a) hunger and (b) disease, of military hostilities against Iraq. [101652] Clare Short: The vulnerability of the Iraqi people to humanitarian crisis should not be underestimated. People's private coping strategies have been worn away by years of misrule. 60 per cent. of the population are totally dependent for food on the UN Oil For Food Programme which is likely to be disrupted in the event of military action. A majority live in urban areas, with a dependence on electrically-powered water and sanitation systems which might also be disrupted, leading to a number of potential health problems. My Department is in regular discussion with the Ministry of Defence, the UN, partner Governments and other humanitarian actors about minimising the humanitarian risks of any conflict to the Iraqi people, and responding to any crises which might arise.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 401 c172W; 101652
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed conflict Civilians Health Diseases Iraq Food supply Iraq conflict Food aid
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk