§ Q 1. [138133] Dr. Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde)If, when he last met leaders of other NATO member states, matters relating to military operations and non-military sanctions against Iraq were discussed.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Tony Blair)We maintain regular contacts with allies over sanctions on Iraq.
§ Dr. GodmanWhile people everywhere regard Saddam Hussein and those around him as evil men—men who should face trial at an international criminal court in the future—does my right hon. Friend agree, however, that there is deep concern everywhere over the dreadful misery inflicted upon the Iraqi people by the sanctions regime? Has not the time come for the Government to agree to support the case for the suspension of sanctions, even though that might cause anger in Washington? Sanctions have to go, do they not?
§ The Prime MinisterThe problem is that while Saddam continues to try and develop weapons of mass destruction, it would be a serious mistake to lift those sanctions. However, I should point out to my hon. Friend that of course we are concerned about the humanitarian situation in Iraq. Some $16 billion will be available to Iraq for food, medicine and infrastructure development this year alone, but I can tell my hon. Friend that in every month over the past six months, Saddam has imported more than 300 million cigarettes and 28,000 bottles of whisky. He could have spent the money on food and medicine for his people, but he chooses not to do so. That is why we will make sure that every possible bit of humanitarian relief gets through to the Iraqi people, but we cannot act in a way that would allow him to be a menace to that part of the world again.