THE decision to send members of the Black Watch to an American-control zone in Iraq, has been challenged by an MP.

Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Derek Conway quizzed Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon about the controversial deployment in the House of Commons.

He said he believed the deployment of the 850 troops to Camp Dogwood outside Falluja was not done for military reasons.

He said: "Few people believe this deployment is other than a sop to the American presidential election campaign."

Mr Hoon said the decision was entirely operational and it was only right Britain should help Iraqis and Americans in carrying out extra tasks to deal with the terrorist threat.

As News Shopper went to press it was reported three members of Black Watch had been killed during an attack on Camp Dogwood and two more injured in an incident near the camp.