§ Lord Gladwin of Cleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the results of the investigation of the incident in which suspected Iraqi chemical warfare agent was found in Kuwait after the end of the Gulf conflict. [HL1127]
§ Lord GilbertWe are today making public the results of a joint UK/US review of what has become known as the "Sabahiyah" incident, in which a large tank of liquid, initially thought to contain Iraqi mustard agent, was found in Kuwait after the end of the Gulf conflict. The review has concluded that the tank did not contain chemical warfare agent, but rather inhibited red fuming nitric acid to fuel Iraqi Silkworm anti-ship missiles.
This is the first of three reviews of events during the Gulf conflict which we pledged to carry out last July. Preparation of the case narrative, which is also being published today in the US, has involved close and detailed co-operation between MoD and the US Department of Defense. A copy of the case narrative will be placed in the Library of the House.