Written question asked by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 March 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 25 March 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the contribution of UK forces towards the re-opening of schools in the southern Iraqi provinces. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Liddell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the contribution of UK forces towards the re-opening of schools in the southern Iraqi provinces. [143742] Mr. Ingram: Work on schools is one of the Coalition's highest priorities in the reconstruction of Iraq. From the earliest weeks after the end of major combat operations on 1 May 2003 Coalition forces worked closely with UNICEF and other Non-Governmental Organisations to assess need and distribute packages of equipment. Since then a major refurbishment programme has been under way. As at 25 February, within the Multinational Division (Southeast) area, coalition forces have refurbished and/ or granted financial aid packages to 1,824 schools. A large amount of school equipment has also been distributed, including over 15,000 chalkboards, 200,000 student kits and 23,000 desks.

Secondary information