§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assistance was given by his Department to British companies visiting the Baghdad trade fair centre in November.
§ Mr. NeedhamA number of British companies were given licences to communicate on the supply of humanitarian goods, currently permitted under UN sanctions, which enabled them to attend the Euromed and Watertech exhibitions held in Baghdad in November.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what assistance is being given by his Department to the proposed trade mission to Iraq on 15 February;
(2) when he last met the Iraqi British interests group;
(3) which companies are involved in the proposed trade mission to Iraq on 15 February; what is its purpose; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what assistance is being given to (a) Thames Water International, (b) Amersham international, (c) Leyland Trucks, (d) RB International, (e) Angus Fires, (f) Quest International, (g) Metrito UK and (h) United Projects to visit Iraq in February.
§ Mr. NeedhamI have heard of the proposed trade mission to Iraq by the Iraqi—British interests group and I have seen the reports of its activities in the press. I have not met the group. Neither it nor the companies reportedly involved are being provided with Government assistance to visit Iraq. Apart from those identified in the press, I am not aware of the companies involved.