§ Mr. Peter HardyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many kilos of Sarin methyl phosphonyl difluoride were sold(a) to Iran and (b) to Iraq; whether this substance is known to be a nerve gas of lethal character; and what controls there are on such sales.
§ Mr. AtkinsMethyl phosphonyl difluoride is not itself a nerve gas of lethal character: it can however be used in the preparation of the nerve gas Sarin.
Following the first confirmation in March 1984 of the use of chemical weapons in the Gulf conflict, controls were imposed on exports of methyl phosphonyl difluoride from the United Kingdom to all destinations under the Export of Goods (Control) Order. No licences have been issued for the export of this substance to Iran or Iraq since the imposition of controls in 1984.