§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support or co-operation the Iraqi-British interests group delegation to Iraq had from his Department.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe Iraqi-British interest group neither requested nor received assistance from my Department for its visit to Iraq. However, at least one member of the group called, in a personal capacity, on our embassy in Jordan after the visit, and the normal courtesies were extended.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on levels of military activity in Iraq between Government forces and various rebel groups.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe are aware of reports of clashes that have taken place between Iraqi Government forces and opposition groups over the past few days, mainly in the areas of Kirkuk and Irbil. It is difficult to assess the level of activity. Fighting appears to have broken out following the Iraqi opposition reports of Iraqi troop movements and shelling of Kurdish villages. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely.