Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Friday, 22 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 November 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 1 November 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what weapons are available to (a) US, (b) British and (c) Iraqi troops serving in Iraq.

Answer: Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what weapons are available to (a) US, (b) British and (c) Iraqi troops serving in Iraq. [193647] Mr. Ingram: British forces in Iraq deploy with the appropriate weapons and other capabilities for the situation they face, which varies over time and different geographical areas. These range from Challenger II tanks and Warrior Armoured Vehicles, through to small arms. For reasons of operational security, I am not able to go into further details. I am therefore withholding that information under Exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The equipment provided to US forces in Iraq is a matter for the US Government. The equipment and weapon systems used by the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are matters for the Iraqi Interim Government, and it would not be appropriate for me to release details. A procurement programme is in place to ensure that the ISF have the right capabilities for the security tasks they face now and in the coming months.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 193647; 426 c103-4W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Armed forces Defence equipment Iraq Peacekeeping operations Weapons USA Iraq conflict
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk