[holding answer 19 June 2007]: My Department supports international activity by bodies such as the National Museums and Galleries, the British Library and English Heritage through their annual grant in aid. Specific sums are not ring-fenced on a country by country basis, as operational decisions on priorities are best taken by the professionals in each institution in the light of changing circumstances.
In the case of Iraq, I would highlight the work of the British Museum, which has:
provided expertise and training on conservation and site management;
sent two archaeologists to Iraq who were instrumental in co-ordinating the quick supply of a wide range of desperately needed materials and equipment to the Baghdad Museum; and
arranged and managed (with additional funding of £15,000 from the DCMS) a project that allowed three interns coming from the Iraqi Ministry of Culture to learn the skills necessary for the future management of the Babylon archaeological site.
In addition to the work of the British Museum, the British Library has also provided expertise and support. It was able to work with the Iraq National Library and Archive, supplying surrogate material to replace that which was lost during the conflict.