§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many contracts have been secured by British companies for reconstruction work in Iraq; what discussions she has had with(a) the Prime Minister and (b) the US Administration about such contracts; and if she will make a statement. [123201]
§ Ms HewittBritish companies are not required to notify us when they have secured contracts for reconstruction work in Iraq. However, we are aware that three companies have publicly acknowledged winning such contracts and believe that a number more have been successful but have not publicised their details.
The Cabinet and Ad Hoc Ministerial Group on Iraq has regular discussions on all aspects of our policy towards Iraq, including reconstruction.
I have discussed Iraq with Andrew Natsios of US AID. My right hon. and noble Friend, the then Minister for Trade visited Washington on 15 and 16 May 2003 when she held talks with US AID, the State Department and, the US Army Corps of Engineers on redevelopment work in Iraq.