HL Deb 15 July 1993 vol 548 c341

3.20 p.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will raise in the Security Council of the United Nations the importance of UN weapon inspection teams being enabled to re-enter Iraq.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

My Lords, the United Nations Special Commission and International Atomic Energy Agency inspection teams are not being refused access to Iraq, but the Iraqi Government obstruct the work of the inspectors once they are in the country. We continue to make clear the importance of full compliance with all Security Council resolutions.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for her reply. Of course, much has happened since I tabled the Question. While the present attempt at negotiating access is welcome, will the Government ensure that Iraq is not allowed to play for time in trying to develop nuclear weapons? That is not bullying by the coalition nations; it is the prevention of what could become a very great mischief.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

My Lords, I have much sympathy with what my noble friend Lord Campbell of Croy says. The Iraqis should remember the allied action of 1991 before deciding to attack Kurdish areas. There have been many rumours of that happening recently. Allied aircraft continue to be deployed over northern Iraq in the limited region north of the 36th parallel. In co-operation with the other governments of the coalition, we shall try to do what we can but we cannot ensure the safety of those people.