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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether permission was obtained from the Prime Minister's office before the orders for extra sets of enhanced body armour were placed; [151438] (2) which Ministers gave approval for the placing of orders for extra sets of enhanced body armour within (a) his Department and (b) other departments; [151437] (3) for what reason political approval for the placing of orders for extra sets of enhanced body armour was not given until 25 November 2002; [151436] (4) what (a) instruction and (b) guidance was given by (i) the Prime Minister's office and (ii) other Ministers that orders for equipment required for possible military action should not be placed while diplomatic efforts for a solution in Iraq were still underway. [151359] Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 27 January 2004]: The overall process to be followed for meeting the urgent equipment and stock requirements for Operation Telic was approved by Defence Ministers. The basis on which preparatory work was undertaken took appropriate account of the continuing diplomatic process. As the Ministry of Defence's publication "Operations in Iraq--Lessons For the Future" states, operational security and the requirement not to prejudice the UN process limited early planning and engagement with industry until the Urgent Operational Requirement process was announced on 25 November 2002. Neither the approval of Defence Ministers, nor the approval of the Prime Minister or of other Ministers outside the MOD, was required or given for the placement of individual orders, including for Enhanced Combat Body Armour (ECBA).

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

417 c755-6W; 151438;151437;151436;151359

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Army Protective clothing Uniforms Body armour Iraq conflict

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk