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20 Oct 2005 : Column 1188W—continued
Uzbekistan
Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Uzbekistan concerning human rights abuses, with particular regard to the arrest of Mutubar Tadzhibaeva; and if he will make a statement. [18577]
Mr. Douglas Alexander: We remain deeply concerned by the reports of ongoing human rights abuses in Uzbekistan, including the mistreatment of human rights defenders and others, and take every opportunity to raise this issue with the Uzbek Government.
We made our most recent representation on 14 October. In a diplomatic note, passed by our Embassy in Tashkent to the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we expressed our alarm at the reported treatment of three human rights defenders. One of these was the recently arrested Mukhtabar Tojibaeva; we have requested clarification of the charges brought against her. The Other two were Elena Urlaeva and Shavkat Madumarov. We have asked the Uzbek Government to confirm that all three are being treated in a manner compliant with international standards.
We will continue, both bilaterally and through international institutions such as the EU and The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe,
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to encourage Uzbekistan to take greater steps towards full respect for human rights, and stand ready to provide any necessary assistance.
DEFENCE
Afghanistan
Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost has been of stationing UK troops in Afghanistan in each year since the operation began. [14449]
Mr. Ingram: The net additional costs of operations in Afghanistan are published each year in the MOD's Annual Report and Accounts. Costs for financial year 2001–02 were £221 million, 2002–03 £311 million and for 2003–04 £46 million. The provisional figures for 2004–05 total £67 million. However, these are subject to scrutiny by the National Audit Office and final figures will be published in the MOD's Annual Report and Accounts in the autumn.
Airlift Capacity
Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the projected cost is of new airlift capacity up to 2015. [12677]
Mr. Ingram: The projected cost of the A400M programme which passed Main Gate in 2000 and is expected to enter service in 2011, is approximately £2billion up to 2014–15. Other programmes to increase our airlift capacity remain in their Assessment Phases, and it is too early to provide costs for them.
Apache Helicopters
Mr. Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many AH-64 Apache helicopters are operational. [18393]
Mr. Ingram: As at 12 October 2005, 37 Apache Mk 1 helicopters were being held by operational and training units. The departmental fleet comprises a total of 67 Apache. The remaining aircraft are currently being held by the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) for storage, or trials, or are scheduled for routine maintenance.
Armed Forces Deployment
Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those Army units who have been deployed to Iraq on (a) one occasion, (b) two occasions, (c) three occasions and (d) four or more occasions respectively. [18052]
Mr. Ingram: The information relating to those fully formed Army Units (i.e. Regiment/Battalion level and above) that have deployed to Iraq from February 2003 to date can be found in the following list:
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