HC Deb 13 January 1997 vol 288 c139W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent relaxations there have been in trade restrictions between British companies and Iraq. [10747]

Mr. Nelson

On 11 December, my Department issued an open general licence to communicate. This allows UK companies to comply with the procedures that will be employed by the United Nations Security Council Committee, established by resolution 661 (1990), to implement the arrangements set out in resolution 986 (1995). Under the licence, companies may discuss and sign contracts with a view to exporting to Iraq, medicine, health supplies, foodstuffs and materials, and supplies for essential civilian needs, as well as parts and equipment essential for the safe operation of the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik pipeline system in Iraq. However, companies will still require individual licences to export such goods.