HL Deb 25 February 1998 vol 586 c95WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that any increase in the oil-for-food programme in Iraq is not at the expense of the United Kingdom bilateral programme through British non-governmental organisations. [HL706]

Lord Whitty

The UK co-sponsored the new Security Council Resolution 1153 to implement the UN Secretary-General's recent recommendation to improve and expand the oil-for-food scheme. However, the UK does not finance the oil-for-food programme in Iraq, it is funded entirely from Government of Iraq oil revenues. We are supporting Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which target the most needy people or carry out de-mining operations. We will be discussing future plans with NGO partners in the light of the proposed increases in the oil-for-food scheme.