HL Deb 05 May 1999 vol 600 cc88-9WA
Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they would support a request by the Government of Sudan for a United Nations examination of the site of the al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Khartoum if such a motion were presented to the United Nations Security Council. [HL2120]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The way to achieve an examination is for the Sudan to become a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention. This is supported by a verification regime which allows for on-site inspections.

Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the involvement with weapons of mass destruction of the al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Khartoum was first drawn to the attention of (a) the non-proliferation section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and (b) the Defence Intelligence Staff. [HL2121]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

It is established practice under Section 1(c) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose or discuss information received in confidence from foreign governments.

Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have raised the issue of Sudan's alleged involvement with weapons of mass destruction and related technology at the United Nations Security Council; and, if so, when and with what result. [HL2122]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

No.