HC Deb 23 November 1992 vol 214 cc459-60W
Mr. Bendall

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the cost of the inquiry by Lord Justice Scott into the sales of equipment to Iraq.

The Prime Minister

It is not possible at this stage to make such an assessment.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Prime Minister what specific measures have been taken to prevent the unauthorised removal, destruction of and tampering with all documents relating to the sale of arms and components to Iraq, held within Government Departments and elsewhere, which might be required by Lord Justice Scott's inquiry.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 19 November 1992]: Instructions have been issued to ensure that all papers relevant to Lord Justice Scott's inquiry are kept in safe custody and are made available to the inquiry when required.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about his response to firms other than Matrix Churchill about the conditions of arms sales to Iraq.

The Prime Minister

[holding answer 18 November 1992]: Arms sales to Iraq were considered under Her Majesty's Government's guidelines for the sale of defence equipment to Iran and Iraq until August 1990, when the United Nations embargo on trade with Iraq, including all arms sales, came into effect.

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