§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have further information on a report (The Times, 31st May) that Iraq is constructing missile launchers in Mauretania and whether Iraq already has operational missile bases H2 and 3 with missiles capable of reaching Israel.
The Earl of CaithnessWe have seen press reports that Iraq was constructing a ballistic missile test site in Mauritania, but we have no further evidence that any missiles have been tested. As a founder member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) we are obviously most concerned to avoid the spread of ballistic missiles. In the current climate it would be wrong to comment in detail on Iraq's military dispositions.