Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 October 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 4 October 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to provide security (a) before, (b) during and (c) after elections in Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to provide security (a) before, (b) during and (c) after elections in Iraq. [188342] Mr. Ingram: There are some 9,200 UK personnel committed to Iraq whose role is to assist the Iraqi Interim Government and Iraq Security Forces in the provision of security. Iraqi Government and Multinational Force commanders continue to consider the levels and dispositions of forces required in Iraq in the months ahead, to support the process leading to the election of a Transitional Assembly and Government early in 2005. If it is judged that further changes to the UK military contribution in Iraq would be appropriate to support this process, we will of course inform the House at the earliest opportunity. At present, however, no decision has been taken.

Secondary information