Mr McCLELLAND (4.15 p.m.)—My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware of reports of the preparation by the Pentagon of a plan for a phased withdrawal of United States troops in the event that the current ‘surge’ of United States troops fails to stop sectarian violence in Iraq? Does the Prime Minister have a similar contingency plan of phased withdrawal in place for Australian forces?

Mr HOWARD—The answer is yes, it is normal for that contingency planning to be made.