To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the security threat facing Iraqis who have worked in a civilian capacity for UK and multi-national forces in Iraq; what measures the Government are taking to improve the safety of such individuals; and if she will make a statement. (140496)

[holding answer 7 June 2007]: Violence in Iraq continues at appallingly high levels, affecting all Iraqis. We continue to do what we can to try to help those Iraqis who face a particular threat as a result of having worked for us. Any applications for assistance we receive from current or former staff are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking account of the particular circumstances of the individuals concerned.

Ultimately, only a reduction in the overall level of violence in Iraq will address this problem at source. This is what we are working hard with the Government of Iraq, our coalition allies and others to try to bring about.