Written question asked by Harry Barnes (Labour) on Thursday, 8 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 March 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 4 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 concerning the death in British Army custody in September 2003 of Baha Mousa in Basra; what action has been taken or is pending against the soldiers involved; whether compensation has been (a) offered to and (b) accepted by his family; and whether he will accept an independent inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Mousa's death.

Answer: Mr. Barnes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the death in British Army custody in September 2003 of Baha Mousa in Basra; what action has been taken or is pending against the soldiers involved; whether compensation has been (a) offered to and (b) accepted by his family; and whether he will accept an independent inquiry into the circumstances of Mr. Mousa's death. [147706] Mr. Ingram: The death of Baha Mousa is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Royal Military Police who, in exercising their constabulary powers, are fully independent of the Army chain of command. It would be inappropriate to comment until their investigation is complete. The UK has not admitted liability for Baha Mousa's death but a payment has been accepted by Mr. Mousa's family.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 418 c1050W;418 c1066W; 147706
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Compensation Detainees Armed forces Death Custodial treatment Iraq Peacekeeping operations Iraq conflict Mousa, Baha
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk