HC Deb 17 January 1986 vol 89 cc735-6W
Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, during the recent visit to the United Kingdom of the Iraqi Foreign Minister, he had any discussions about the possibility of lifting the embargo on the sale of military equipment to Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

Changes to the current guidelines on the sale of defence equipment to Iraq were not discussed during the recent visit to this country of the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The guidelines remain as outlined in the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend to the right hon. Member for Tweeddale, Etterick and Lauderdale (Mr. Steel) on 29 October 1985 at column 454.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made by Her Majesty's Government to the Iraqi Foreign Minister on recent development in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Mr. Renton

There was no specific discussion of recent developments in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he next intends to meet the Iraqi Foreign Secretary to discuss political prisoners there;

(2) when he next intends to have talks with the Iraqi Foreign Minister.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. and learned Friend has at present no plans for further meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on current relations between the United Kingdom and Iraq.

Mr. Renton

The United Kingdom has normal diplomatic relations with Iraq. High level ministerial visits are exchanged, and these enable us to improve existing relations whilst providing an opportunity to speak frankly on matters where our views do not coincide. Iraq is also an important and growing market for British exporters.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what matters were discussed when he last met the Iraqi Foreign Minister; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the Iraqi Foreign Minister.

Mr. Renton

When my right hon. and learned Friend met the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq on 4 December they discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including Iran-Iraq, Arab-Israel and the situation in the Lebanon.

Mrs. Clwyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps were taken at the recent meetings with the Iraqi Foreign Secretary to seek to ensure an end to human rights violations in Iraq.

Mr. Renton

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend to the hon. Member for Thurrock (Dr. McDonald) on 18 December 1985 at column 294.