Written question asked by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether troops serving in Iraq who have purchased winter footwear at their own expense will be reimbursed by the Ministry of Defence; whether all British troops serving in winter conditions during the winter of 2004-05 in Iraq will be issued with appropriate winter footwear; whether sufficient winter footwear is in stock to ensure that all troops serving in winter conditions in Iraq are issued with a pair.

Answer: Mr. Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether troops serving in Iraq who have purchased winter footwear at their own expense will be reimbursed by the Ministry of Defence; [150891] (2) whether all British troops serving in winter conditions during the winter of 2004-05 in Iraq will be issued with appropriate winter footwear; [150892] (3) whether sufficient winter footwear is in stock to ensure that all troops serving in winter conditions in Iraq are issued with a pair. [150911] Mr. Ingram: There is no need for soldiers to purchase their own winter footwear for Iraq. Soldiers currently serving in Iraq have deployed with both Desert Boots and Combat Assault Boots. Combat Assault Boots are suitable for a minimum temperature of minus 19 degrees centigrade and are appropriate for the temperatures experienced in southern Iraq during the winter months.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 417 c747W;417 c746-7W; 150891;150892;150911
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Armed forces Footwear Expenditure Iraq Peacekeeping operations Uniforms Iraq conflict
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk