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Iraq
19. David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the security situation in southern Iraq. [87203]
Des
Browne: The four provinces covered by Multi-National
Division (South East) remain relatively quiet compared to other areas
of Iraq, accounting for around 4 per cent. of all attacks. The security
situation in Basra, however, continues to cause concern. To address the
problems in the province, the Iraqi Government, has announced a
security plan for Basra.
I discussed the plan with Prime Minister Maliki this morning. The plan
is in its early stages but has already resulted in increased presence
of Iraqi security forces—with more to
come.
Elsewhere in MND(South East) the security situation is more positive. Our progress with security and training of the Iraqi security forces was a factor in making Al Muthanna province the first where responsibility for security was handed over to Iraqi control. I expect Maysan and Dhi Qar provinces to follow suit before the end of this year, once the conditions on the ground are right.
Mr. Walter: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much ordnance was used by British forces in Iraq in each of the last six months, broken down by type; [86101]
(2) how much and what type of ordnance was used by British forces in Iraq in the past six months. [86590]
Des Browne [holding answer 20 July 2006]: Routine training accounted for the majority of most ammunition natures expended in Iraq by British forces. The following ammunition, broken down by type, was expended in each month, between January and June 2006:
| Ordnance type | Explanation of use | January | February | March | April | May |
Main armament on Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle (Rarden Cannon) | ||||||
Used as high explosive donor charges in controlled explosions | ||||||
Anne Moffat: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the aims are of the provincial reconstruction team in Basra; and what he expects the team to achieve. [87188]
Des Browne: Provincial reconstruction teams aim to provide support to build the capacity of Iraqi institutions at a provincial level.
The Basra team does this through coordinating the delivery of UK and international development and reconstruction assistance to southern Iraq; further development of the capacity of the provincial government; and assistance in the smooth transition of responsibility for security in southern Iraq to the Iraqi civil authorities.
Afghanistan
20. Mr. Devine: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made in training Afghan security forces in peacekeeping. [87204]
Des Browne: Over 28,000 Afghan troops and over 30,000 police have been trained and equipped, although their training does not focus specifically on peacekeeping activities.
Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which countries have troops operating under the international security assistance force in Afghanistan; how many troops they had deployed on 10 July; and what restrictions are in place on the use of these forces. [85093]
Des Browne: As at 10 July, the following 36 countries contribute a total of around 10,000 troops to the international security assistance force (ISAF) in Afghanistan:
Albania
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Celand
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
FYROM
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
The Netherlands
Turkey
UK
US
I am withholding details of the caveats nations may apply to the use of their armed forces in Afghanistan as this would, or would be likely, to prejudice the safety of our armed forces and those of our allies. The nations deploying to ISAF stage 3 in the south well understand the challenging operational environment there, and the need for robust rules of engagement.
Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) the number of Intelligence Corps personnel based in Helmand province and (b) the resources provided to the Intelligence Corps in Afghanistan. [85774]
Des Browne: The force package deployed to Afghanistan is that recommended by the Chiefs of Staff as the right force for the task.
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities are available for the detention of military detainees in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [86700]
Des Browne [holding answer 20 July 2006]: UK armed forces have temporary holding facilities available in the south. NATO and UK policy is that detainees should either be transferred to the Afghan authorities within 96 hours, or released.
Mr. Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of British forces in Afghanistan's counter-narcotics campaign. [87198]
Des Browne: Troops deployed as part of the NATO-led International security assistance force (ISAF)—including British forces deployed as part of the Helmand Task Force—are authorised to provide support to Afghan counter-narcotics forces, including training, and they will help the Afghans create a secure environment in which economic development and institutional reform—both essential to the elimination of the opium industry—can take place.
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