§ Mr. AncramTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the claims in the UN's Panel of Experts report on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo that British Aerospace spare parts for Zimbabwe Defence Force Hawk jets were supplied to the DRC early in 2002 in breach of European Union sanctions on Zimbabwe; what information he has on the role(a) Mr. John Bredenkamp, (b) the Aviation Consultancy Services Company and (c) other individuals or companies played in mediating those deals; who granted the export licences; and if he will make a statement. [77983]
§ Mr. StrawWe are looking into the UN panel report. We take seriously any allegation that the UK or EU arms embargoes on Zimbabwe may have been circumvented. Any action in the UK would be a matter for the relevant authorities. We are aware of allegations of past arms dealing activities by Mr. John Bredenkamp. I am unable to provide the precise information requested by the right hon. Member under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
§ Mr. AncramTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received concerning claims made in the UN's Panel of Experts report on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo that Aviation Consultancy Services Company represents British Aerospace; and if he will make a statement. [77984]
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§ Mr. StrawWe are looking very closely at all allegations made in the report. Any alleged connexion between ACS and British Aerospace is a matter for British Aerospace.