§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken by the United Nations to implement and monitor the oil for food deal in Iraq under the provisions of UN resolution 986. [8652]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe welcome UN Security Council resolution 986 (1995) which took effect on 10 December. Saddam Hussein's failure to agree to implement this humanitarian gesture for over 18 months has caused the Iraqi people much unnecessary suffering. The UN in New York will monitor contracts for the export of oil from Iraq. It has appointed inspectors to monitor the export of oil from Iraq and the import of humanitarian goods. The UN has also appointed observers to ensure that there is an equitable distribution of humanitarian goods once they are inside Iraq.