HL Deb 16 October 1990 vol 522 cc719-20

Lord Jenkins of Putney asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there is evidence of a French offer to rebuild Iraq's nuclear reactor, bombed by Israel in 1981, and if so, whether they have discussed this wits the French Government and what developments there have been since that time.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness)

My Lords, no.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that it was widely reported in the French press that work had started on rebuilding the reactor? Have the Government no knowledge of that? Is it not in the interests of our forces in the Gulf that the Government should have that knowledge even if they are not ready to express it? I understand that the Minister may not wish to give an answer, but the House is entitled to know whether the Government are aware of what is going on.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, we are aware of media reports that Iraq may be attempting to develop a nuclear weapons system. However, as I said in my original Answer, we have no firm evidence of that.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, will the noble Earl confirm that exports of nuclear materials and technology to Iraq have ceased? Will he also confirm that the visit by the International Atomic Energy Agency to verify Iraq's stockpile of nuclear materials which is scheduled for November will still take place? There is a good deal of concern that that visit, which would be of considerable importance, should continue?

Thee Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I assure the noble Lord that we rigorously observe our obligations under the NPT not to transfer nuclear weapons technology to any recipient whatever. Regarding the noble Lord's second point, we are aware that there is a small amount, around 25 kilograms, of enriched uranium held in Iraq Regular inspections are undertaken by the International Atomic Energy Agency. At the last inspection earlier this year it confirmed that no diversion of materials had occurred, and it is hoped that there will be an inspection in the near future.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, if there is any truth in the story is that not further evidence that it is essential for Britain to retain its own nuclear capability?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, the noble Lord is right We need our own deterrent.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, did I understand the Minister to say that the British Government had no evidence that the Iraqis are attempting to build nuclear weapons?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I said that we had seen press reports but we had no firm evidence.

Lord Hatch of Lusby

My Lords, is it not the case that Britain, France, Germany, the United States and other countries assisted the Iraqis by providing them with arms during their war with Iran? Did that assistance include any form of nuclear technology or devices that could be used in the building of nuclear weapons?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I answered that question. We abide and have abided by the articles of the NPT.

Lord Bottomley

My Lords, is it not a fact that Israel, since its beginning, has been threatened by Arabic countries? It has been attacked four or five times Should we not be thankful that it destroyed the potential of Iraq to make a possible war more serious than it may otherwise be?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I know the House understands the interest of the noble Lord in the matter However, the question he asked is slightly wider than that on the Order Paper.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, does the Minister not agree that, although there is inspection of the international spread of nuclear energy and some attempt to control the spread of nuclear weapons, there is an inadequate connection between the two? Is he aware that material which is ostensibly related to nuclear energy is being used in relation to the production of nuclear weapons? Is it not therefore desirable that more adequate international inspection should be focused on that area?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, the existing NPT has served us extremely well I believe it was Deng Xiaoping who said, "Seek truth from facts" I hope that the noble Lord will seek truth from rumours

Lord Glenamara

My Lords, is the Minister aware of an item on Channel 4 News last Saturday which showed a satellite picture of a uranium processing plant in a mountainous region of Iraq? Is it not correct that Iraq is now self-sufficient in uranium and no longer dependent on supplies from outside?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, it has been known for many years that a small quantity of uranium is mined in Iraq. As the noble Lord is aware, uranium mined is not at that stage covered by a treaty because it is unenriched.

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