To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been achieved since October 2006 on military reform in the Iraqi provinces of (a) Al Basrah, (b) Al Muthanna, (c) Dhi Qar and (d) Maysan; and if he will make a statement. (132523)

10 Division of the Iraqi Army, which covers all four provinces, has made significant progress. This was recently highlighted in Maysan when security responsibility for the province was transferred to the Iraqis. This transition occurred in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces in July and September 2006 respectively.

In October 2006, 10 Division’s capability was demonstrated when it took the lead in the later phases of Operation Sinbad in Basra, operating without overt coalition assistance. Elements of 10 Division are also supporting the Baghdad security plan. Coalition forces continue to provide training and mentoring and much remains to be done in the areas of logistics and leadership.

Operational control of 10 Division was transferred to the new Iraqi military headquarters in Baghdad in January 2007. This transfer of command and control is a critical step toward handing over responsibility for delivering security in southern Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the reasons for the number of personnel listed as having sustained disease or non-battle injury during November 2006 as part of Operation Herrick and Operation Telic; and if he will make a statement. (132849)

The temporary increase in levels of disease or non-battle injuries in both Operations Telic and Herrick was a result of the roulements in both theatres. An increase in those being treated for diarrhoea and vomiting type illnesses is common at such times, largely as a result of the climatic, food and environment changes experienced by those deploying into operational theatres. While such symptoms are unlikely to result in a patient being admitted to a hospital in the UK, individuals are admitted to hospital in theatre as returning them to barracks may lead to the spread of disease.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) the net cost has been of the British military operations in Iraq in each year from 2002-03 and (b) the predicted cost is of continued British military presence in Iraq, broken down by month. (133408)

The costs of operations are calculated on a net additional basis and audited figures are published each year in the MOD’s annual report and accounts. The total of the annual audited figures for the costs of operations in Iraq for the years 2002-03 to 2005-06 was £4,026 million. A total estimated cost of £1,002 million for 2006-07 was included in the spring supplementary estimates published in February. Final figures will be published in the MOD’s annual report and accounts for 2006-07.

It is not possible to provide estimates for future years as planning assumptions are constantly changing with the varying tempo and requirements of the operation.