To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians have been killed in military action in Helmand province since February 2006. (249207)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 October 2008, Official Report, columns 622-23W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many incidents of theft of British military equipment supplies during transit from the port of disembarkation in Pakistan to the final destination in Afghanistan have been reported since 18 July 2008. (251985)

Two incidents of theft of British military supplies during transit from the port of disembarkation in Pakistan to the final destination in Afghanistan have been reported to the Royal Military Police between 18 July 2008 and 26 January 2009 inclusive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers from the First Battalion The Rifles have been injured in Afghanistan since October 2008. (252119)

Between 1 October 2008 and 24 January 2009 one soldier from 1st Battalion The Rifles was very seriously injured, and another Rifleman was seriously injured.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2009, Official Report, column 23W, on Afghanistan: peacekeeping operations (1) how long the training will take; and what personnel will be involved in the training; (253215)

The aspects of flying training to be conducted will be appropriate to the environmental and operational conditions in Afghanistan.

The training of RAF Merlin Force air and ground crew will take place in the UK (at RAF Benson, on Salisbury Plain and other UK training areas), with some elements likely to be overseas as part of a rolling programme prior to deployment.

Much of the theatre-specific preparation will need to take place during the four month period between completion of deployment to Iraq and commencement of deployment to Afghanistan; but some elements of training may commence earlier.

I am withholding further details as their disclosure would, or would likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many insurgents in Afghanistan were captured by British forces in each month in 2008; and how many (a) were subsequently released, (b) transferred to Afghan authorities and (c) remain in British custody. (253375)

I have nothing to add to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Mr. MacNeil) on 14 October 2008, Official Report, column 1016W.