To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Pakistani Government on minimisation of civilian casualties during military operations in Buner and Lower Dir. (273146)

[holding answer 7 May 2009]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary last discussed the situation in North West Frontier province with Foreign Minister Qureshi on 25 April 2009. As part of our wider defence engagement programme, we will continue our efforts to build the capacity of the Pakistani military to mount effective operations that minimise civilian casualties. The UK is also helping the Government of Pakistan to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of those most directly affected by insecurity. We have so far dispersed £2 million and have recently committed an additional £10 million. Our funds are being channelled through humanitarian agencies on the ground to give food supplies and shelter to those most in need, as well as supplying essential water and sanitation and basic health care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department holds on the deployment of armed US Predator unmanned aerial vehicles from airbases within Pakistan. (273322)

US actions should be discussed between the US and Pakistani Governments. We cannot comment on intelligence matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had recent discussions with the Government of Pakistan on the deployment of armed US Predator unmanned aerial vehicles within Pakistani airspace. (273323)

Any such deployments would be for discussion between the US and Pakistani Governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Mid-Sussex of 27 April 2009, Official Report, column 1030W, on Afghanistan: peacekeeping operations, what the dates were of the secondment of each UK official to the US-led review of American defence and security policy; and if he will make a statement. (274388)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Gillian Merron) gave on 26 November 2008, Official Report, columns 1795-1796W.