Written question asked by Annabelle Ewing (Scottish National Party) on Friday, 22 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 October 2004. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what impact the possible redeployment of UK troops in Iraq will have on the planned increased deployment of UK troops in Afghanistan. - (Holding answer 25 October 2004).

Answer: Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what impact the possible redeployment of UK troops in Iraq will have on the planned increased deployment of UK troops in Afghanistan. [193479] Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 25 October 2004]: As I announced to the House on 21 October 2004, Official Report, columns 1035-51, the redeployment of some of our forces in Iraq is limited in scope, time, and space and does not represent a significant permanent additional commitment of forces. It has no impact upon our plans to increase our military commitment in Afghanistan, which is not due to occur until 2006 when the Headquarters of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps is planned to deploy to lead the International Security Assistance Force.

Secondary information