Written question asked by Desmond Swayne (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many civilian contractors were employed under UK command to repair and maintain civil infrastructure in the (a) first 100 days and (b) six months following the end of high intensity military operations in Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian contractors were employed under UK command to repair and maintain civil infrastructure in the (a) first 100 days and (b) six months following the end of high intensity military operations in Iraq. [150227] Mr. Ingram: No civilian contractors engaged in the repair and maintenance of the civil infrastructure in Iraq come under command of the United Kingdom military. However, the majority of projects being funded through the UK military's Quick Impact Project programme (more than 800 projects, valued at over $17 million) have relied, for their success, upon Iraqi contractors and sub-contractors. This is in line with our policy of supporting the use of skilled local labour and the stimulation of legitimate local economic activity wherever possible.

Secondary information