§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what dates his Department was informed of contracts relating to(a) Project Babylon, (b) Baby Babylon and (c) Supergun propellant; and what was the response his Department made. [1033]
§ Mr. HanleyIt has not proved possible, in the time available, to establish the exact dates at which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was first informed of the contracts relating to the projects which subsequently became known as Project Babylon and Supergun. It is likely that the inquiry currently being conducted by Sir Richard Scott will comment further on these matters. Following the detention, on 10 April 1990 at Teesport by HM Customs, of eight steel tubes destined for Iraq, the FCO liaised with other interested departments and agencies while Her Majesty's Customs continued its inquiries.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the outcome of the investigations into possible offences by United Kingdom based companies or their subsidiaries in connection with the supply of products to the Iraqi plant at Ad Dwar and Salman Pak arising from information 69W passed to him by UNSCOM; if any of the investigations have indicated that Her Majesty's Government had prior knowledge or approved any of these trades; if all the documents and information in the possession of Her Majesty's Government relating to these matters have been passed to the Scott inquiry; and if he will make a statement. [329]
§ Mr. David DavisWe are aware neither of offences against UK export control legislation by any British company associated with these sites, nor prior knowledge by the Government of illegal trade. The Scott inquiry has been kept informed of all matters within its remit.
We shall continue to support the UN special commission. Any allegations or evidence of wrong-doing by British companies will be investigated and, if appropriate, will be a matter for the courts.