To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his oral answer of 22 May 2006, Official Report, column 1183, on Iraq, what the minimum standard is for body armour on land vehicles used by British troops in Iraq. (74273)

[holding answer 5 June 2006]: Enhanced Combat Body Armour is currently the minimum standard for British troops operating in vehicles in Iraq. However, two other body armour sets are available in theatre, for use according to the commander’s assessment of the nature of the task and the current threat. Enhanced Personal Protective Equipment (known as Kestrel) is used by the drivers of fighting vehicles and by Top Cover Sentries. We are in the process of raising the minimum standard of protection above that provided by Enhanced Combat Body Armour, through the delivery of Improved Performance Body Armour (known as Osprey).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has established a link between the loss of the Lynx helicopter over Basra in May and missile technology supplied by Iran; and if he will make a statement. (77389)

[holding answer 14 June 2006]: The circumstances surrounding the loss of the Lynx helicopter in Basra on 6 May 2006 are currently being investigated by a Board of Inquiry. Once the Board of Inquiry has completed its investigation, a summary of the findings will be placed in the Library.