§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what considerations were given to the 1977 protocol 1 to the Geneva conventions of 1949 before allied forces bombed Iraqi nuclear facilities.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDue consideration was given to all relevant rules of international law, including those reflected in protocol 1 of 1977 additional to the Geneva conventions, which is not however applicable to the conflict in the Gulf.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the allied bombing of Iraq's nuclear facilities upon the long-term stability and effectiveness of the 1975 nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere is no reason why the matter referred to by the hon. Member should have any adverse effect on the NPT.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has had any communication with the secretary general of the International Atomic Energy Agency following the allied bombing and destruction of the Iraq nuclear facility at Tuwaitha.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe have had no such communications, but our officials maintain regular contact with Dr. Blix and his staff.