Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Friday, 23 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 February 2004. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 February 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date in October 2002 the military decision was taken to supply all troops in Iraq with enhanced body armour. - (Holding answer 27 January 2004).

Answer: Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date in October 2002 the military decision was taken to supply all troops in Iraq with enhanced body armour. [151435] Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 27 January 2004]: In line with normal practice, an Urgent Statement of User Requirement, generated by Land Command on 21 October, was endorsed by the Permanent Joint Headquarters on 5 November 2002. This recommended that all ground forces deploying on Operation Telic should be equipped with Enhanced Combat Body Armour.

Secondary information