Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 13 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 March 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 March 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many individuals are being held by UK forces in Iraq; and what the average length of detention is. - Including figure.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many individuals are being held by UK forces in Iraq; and what the average length of detention is. [148577] Mr. Ingram: Article 78 of the IV Geneva Convention (1949) allows the United Kingdom as the Occupying Power to intern people where it considers it necessary for imperative reasons of security. Internees will continue to be held until such time as they are no longer considered a threat to Coalition Forces. As at 24 March 2004, the UK held 81 internees in Iraq. Of those currently held, the average length of internment is around four and a half months.

Secondary information