Written question asked by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 January 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 5 January 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will give an update on United Kingdom operations in Iraq as part of Operation Telic. - Including figures.

Answer: Mrs. Liddell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an update on United Kingdom operations in Iraq as part of Operation Telic. [143728] Mr. Ingram: United Kingdom Forces continue to mount security operations in Iraq. Recent operations against smuggling, for example, have been a considerable success and were widely welcomed by the Iraqi people. Our forces are also closely engaged in developing Iraq's own security capabilities so that Iraqis can take greater responsibility for their own security. Already more than 10,500 Iraqi police are on patrol in the Multinational Division (South East), and more are being trained; other Iraqi security personnel are guarding vital infrastructure, facilities and coastline. I refer my right hon. Friend to the statement to the House of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 15 December (col. 1302) for the most recent announcement on troop deployments.

Secondary information