§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What requests for information they have received from the United Nations about a British-based firm suspected of helping to ship weapons to Hutu extremists in refugee camps in eastern Zaire; what response they have sent; and what action they are taking.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)The report of the UN International Commission on Rwanda claims that letters dated 30 November 1995, 18 December 1995 and 26 August 1996 (the last letter recalled the two earlier ones) were sent by the UN International Commission to Customs and no response has been received. These letters were not received by Customs.
Customs, did, however, have a meeting with Commission officials on 10 January 1996; and received written communication both from the UN International Tribunal in Rwanda, on 21 March 1996, and from the UN International Commission, on 38WA 12 September 1996. In these contacts, the UN requested information from Customs about arms supplies to Rwanda and exiled Rwandans. Customs investigators responded to these UN requests.
More recently, Customs have obtained from the UN copies of the letters dated 30 November 1995 and 18 December 1995. The information requested in these letters was provided by Customs investigators to UN officials in their meeting of 10 January 1996.
The UN Commission has recently expressed complete satisfaction with the co-operation received.
Investigations in connection with alleged brokering of arms contrary to UK legislation implementing arms embargoes are a matter for the Commissioners of Customs and Excise and any information which might suggest that offences have been committed should be made available to them.
Customs are aware of current allegations and will take appropriate action in the light of their assessment of information obtained.
It is not, however Customs' general practice to comment publicly about the existence or nature of any investigations of individuals or companies not yet accused of criminal offences. To do so could risk prejudicing any ongoing enquiries or future criminal proceedings.