Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Monday, 24 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 October 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 11 October 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many civilians have been (a) killed and (b) injured by plastic baton rounds discharged in Iraq.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians have been (a) killed and (b) injured by plastic baton rounds discharged in Iraq. [176091] Mr. Ingram: United Kingdom forces did not use baton rounds in Iraq during major combat operations, which ended on 1 May 2003. Since then UK Units have used baton rounds in situations, such as some instances of riot control, where there has been a clear threat to UK forces, civilians and/or property but where use of lethal force would have been a disproportionate response. Since 1 May 2003, UK forces have reported all confirmed fatalities of which they are aware arising from incidents in which they were involved. We are not aware of any fatalities resulting from hits from baton rounds. UK forces have also provided medical assistance to a number of injured Iraqi civilians but we do not record centrally the causes of injury. We are not in a position to comment on civilian casualties allegedly caused by other coalition partners.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 176091; 425 c64-5W;425 c65W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Civilians Injuries Iraq Peacekeeping operations Riot control weapons
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk