§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Government department authorised the export of new uniforms, webbing, disruptive patterned material and other battledress and related equipment manufactured in the United Kingdom, to the Government of Iraq in the 10 years prior to Operation Desert Storm.
§ Mr. NeedhamI have been asked to reply.
Prior to the introduction of sanctions on 9 August 1990 the goods listed would not have required an export licence unless specially treated for use against chemical or biological agents. No Government permission needed to be obtained for the export of untreated military clothing.
Following the imposition of sanctions any applications received for the supply of military clothing would be submitted to the UN Sanctions Committee (Iraq) for approval. No such licences have been issued.