HL Deb 11 February 1992 vol 535 cc28-30WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they failed to prevent British firms from knowingly or unknowingly contributing equipment, training or material which has helped Iraq towards acquiring a nuclear weapon capability (referred to by Earl Howe at col. 629 on 20th January) and whether they are satisfied that the United Kingdom is not responsible for any weakening of the nuclear proliferation treaty.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Reay)

In answer to the first part of the question, there is no evidence, at this stage, to indicate that HMG should be initiating prosecutions against any UK supplier to Iraq's nuclear programme for breaching the relevant export controls where such may have applied. We are continuing investigations, as information emerges from Iraq, on its procurement activities, and any indications of wrongdoing by UK companies will be urgently investigated and, if appropriate, will be a matter for the courts.

With reference to the second part of the question, the UK is a depositary state for the non-proliferation treaty and has always scrupulously observed its obligations under the treaty.