HL Deb 19 April 2004 vol 660 cc4-5WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they expect that sovereignty will be transferred to Iraq on 30 June 2004. [HL2376]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The coalition is committed to the transfer of authority to an Iraqi interim government on 30 June. We remain confident that this target will be achieved.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What conditions and restrictions will be imposed upon the powers that may be exercised by the Iraqi authorities after the transfer of sovereignty. [HL2377]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Discussion of the powers of the Iraqi interim government (the caretaker administration which will rule Iraq after 30 June until elections to a transitional national assembly by January 2005) continues between the Iraqi Governing Council, other Iraqis, the Coalition Provisional Authority and the UN. The aim is to forge an Iraqi consensus on this issue for inclusion in an annexe to the transitional administrative law (TAL), which was agreed by the Iraqi Governing Council on 8 March. A copy of the TAL has been placed in the Library of the House. The TAL already includes some important limits on the interim government, including a bill of rights and a precise timetable for elections. Article 3(A) of the TAL makes clear that the interim government will not have the authority to amend the TAL.