Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 January 2004. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 January 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what studies have been made of cancer rates in Iraq (a) from 1991 to 2002 and (b) since the end of hostilities on 1st May 2003.

Answer: Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what studies have been made of cancer rates in Iraq (a) from 1991 to 2002 and (b) since the end of hostilities on 1 May 2003. [148270] Hilary Benn: DFID is not aware of any studies of cancer rates carried out by the Iraqi Ministry of Health, Coalition Provisional Authority or other bodies. The ability accurately to measure localised increases in cancer rates--especially if there is cancer due to radiation, which can take years to develop--requires a well-developed national disease surveillance system, which Iraq does not currently have. The World Health Organisation plans to carry out a study to investigate the effects of the use of depleted uranium in ordnance used by military forces, which some individuals have claimed has caused an increase in cancer rates in Iraq, using that country as a key focus. This study will be subject to funding and to an improvement in the security situation.

Secondary information