To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) maximum, (b) minimum and (c) average cash allowance awarded to military staff in (i) Iraq and (ii) Afghanistan was in 2008. (263865)

[holding answer 16 March 2009]: During financial year 2007-08, the daily rate of operational allowance payable was £12.75 and is £13.08 for the current financial year. These rates apply equally to both Iraq and Afghanistan. It can be paid for a minimum of one day and the maximum payable is determined by the length of an operational tour. The average tour length is typically six months which would result in the payment of £2,380.

Details of the average operational allowance payable and a breakdown by operational theatre is not held centrally.