§ Mr. CabornTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the day on which his Department was first made aware that Iraq was acquiring export material for a major gun or launcher.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 11 December 1990]: My Department first became aware that Iraq was acquiring export material for a major gun or launcher in April of this year.
§ Mr. CabornTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what special checks were made of the 44 items of piping sent to Iraq which became known to be for military purposes.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 11 December 1990]: My Department does not make physical checks on goods for export except at the request of exporters or HM Customs and Excise. The granting of licences is dependent on information about the nature and use of products which the exporter is obliged by law to provide.
§ Mr. CabornTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he was made aware of changes in the specifications of the steel for the Iraqi order placed with Walter Somers.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 11 December 1990]: I understand that it was a change in the specification which 67W led my hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Sir H. Miller) to approach my Department on behalf of Walter Somers.