HL Deb 01 November 1994 vol 558 cc57-8WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm that the report in The Times of 14th October 1994 entitled "Allies found Iraq stored mustard gas in Kuwait" is correct; whether a copy of the report by Major John Watkinson, the officer commanding 21 EOD squadron, was received by Major Parsons of MO1 MODUK Army and Mr. P. Hearn of CDE Porton Down; and whether a copy of the memorandum written by Captain Michael Johnson, Commander of the U.S. 54th Chemical Troop, dated 4 January 1994, has been seen by MOD officials.

Lord Henley

The report by 21 EOD Squadron which was referred to inThe Times of 14 October was received in my department. In accordance with its recommendations, a sample of the substance collected in Kuwait City was submitted for laboratory analysis. This showed that the material was fuming nitric acid, a rocket motor propellant, and not chemical warfare agent. My officials have no record of receiving a copy of the memorandum by Captain Michael Johnson of the US Army.