Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 9 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 March 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 March 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many rounds were contained in the standard issue of ammunition to (a) infantry and (b) Royal Military Police in Iraq during (i) major hostilities and (ii) since the end of major war-fighting operations; whether this requirement has been met in every circumstance; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures. (Holding answer 12 February 2004).

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many rounds were contained in the standard issue of ammunition to (a) infantry and (b) Royal Military Police in Iraq during (i) major hostilities and (ii) since the end of major war-fighting operations; whether this requirement has been met in every circumstance; and if he will make a statement. [154676] Mr. Ingram :[holding answer 12 February 2004]: The standard issue of 5.56mm ammunition provided to Army combat soldiers and other Army arms/services in Iraq has not changed from 150 rounds and 120 rounds respectively. Royal Military Police Personnel are normally issued with 120 rounds of ammunition in line with other Army arms/services. Commanders in theatre make an assessment based on local conditions as to whether adjustments to the planning allocations should be made. Over 23 million rounds of 5.56mm ammunition were delivered to Operation Telic, which was well in excess of the projected requirement of all units deployed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 418 c790W;418 c809-10W; 154676
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Ammunition Armed conflict Defence equipment Iraq Military police Reconstruction Iraq conflict
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk