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, 7 June 2004. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 7 June 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many UK citizens are employed in Iraq in (a) civilian and (b) military posts that involve advising or assisting in the operation of prisons under the control of the occupation powers.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens are employed in Iraq in (a) civilian and (b) military posts that involve advising or assisting in the operation of prisons under the control of the occupation powers. [175962] Mr. Mullin: Eight UK citizens are employed in Iraq advising and assisting in the operation of Prisons--three are civilians and five are military. The UK is responsible for administration of prisons within Multi National Division (SE). All other Iraqi prisons are administered by US personnel. In Coalition Provisional Authority (South), the UK oversees and maintains prisons run by the Iraqi Prison Service through a Prisons Section which comprises three staff-- two prisons advisors and an administrator. All these staff mentor Iraqi prison management and officers in the local correctional facilities. In addition, three Military Provost staff are currently assisting with the implementation of a prisons inspection regime in the Southern Region. Additionally, two Territorial Army Officers who are UK Prison Service officers are involved in Security Sector Reform in the prisons. All other staff working in the Correctional Service are Iraqi locals.

Secondary information