HL Deb 01 December 1997 vol 583 cc141-2WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who are the Vice-Presidents of the United Nations Special Commission.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) does not have a Vice-President. Mr. Charles Duelfer (United States) is the Deputy Executive Chairman of UNSCOM.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether United States Marine Colonel Scott Ritter of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) has ever engaged in activities unrelated to UNSCOM' s business specifically relating to successive unsuccessful "searches" for "missiles" in presidential "locations," as alleged on Iraqi television on 13 November by the Iraqi Foreign Minister.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The activities of Mr. Ritter while taking part in UNSCOM missions are a matter for him and the Executive Chairman of the Special Commission.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the current level of United States debt to the United Nations; and whether they are currently contributing to the costs of the United Nations Special Commission.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

As at 31 October, the United States owed the United Nations US$1.371 billion. The current operating costs of the UN Special Commission are met from the revenue from Iraqi oil sales under UNSCR 986. In addition, some states contribute personnel and equipment. The United States is the largest such contributor.