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Iraq (Basra Incident)

I welcome the opportunity to pay tribute to the hon. Gentleman’s constituents based at RNAS Yeovilton for the work that they do. I fully understand the tremendous sadness that there will be at the loss of colleagues. However, what we expect of our armed forces, and what we have got over the past 24 hours, is a renewed commitment to continue to do the jobs with which they are tasked, even in these difficult circumstances. Although there is sadness, I have experienced over the past 24 hours a degree of dedication and courage that is a manifestation of why our armed forces are the envy of the world. The hon. Gentleman asks who should give evidence to the board of inquiry, and my current state of knowledge is that it would be expected that evidence would come from the sort of sources that he indicates. I apologise for this, but I cannot at this stage tell him for certain whether his specific question about the procedures involved in the inquiries can be answered in either the affirmative or the negative. I would be astonished if the board of inquiry, whose procedure is not in my control, did not take evidence of that kind, but I shall look into the matter. If there is any additional information that should be given to the hon. Gentleman or the House, I shall take the necessary steps to ensure that that is done.