HC Deb 21 February 2000 vol 344 cc685-6W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Prime Minister what consultation the Secretary-General of the United Nations had with the United Kingdom Government about the health and food situation in Iraq, before accepting the resignation of the senior UN representative in Baghdad responsible for co-ordinating humanitarian aid; and if he will make a statement. [111235]

The Prime Minister

None. UN staffing issues are a matter for the UN Secretary-General.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 2000,Official Report, columns 562–63W, concerning the Iraqi Government's prioritising of the humanitarian assistance, what the Government defines as prioritising properly the humanitarian assistance available under the oil-for-food programme. [111234]

The Prime Minister

In his regular reports on the implementation of the oil-for-food programme, the UN Secretary-General has repeatedly recommended that priority must be given to the food/nutrition and health sectors. In his most recent report of November 1999, he again stated that the Government of Iraq needed to give greater attention to the provision of basic pharmaceuticals, primary and preventive health-care services and material support for more effective distribution.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 2000,Official Report, columns 562–63W, concerning child nutrition and mortality in Iraq, what is the raft of measures referred to in his answer. [111232]

The Prime Minister

I refer my hon. Friend to operative paragraphs 15–32 of Security Council Resolution 1284, a copy of which is available from the Library.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 2000,Official Report, columns 562–63W, concerning the Iraqi Government's prioritising of humanitarian assistance, what priorities the Iraqi Government have set out under the oil-for-food programme. [111233]

The Prime Minister

I refer my hon. Friend to the distribution plan submitted by Iraq to the UN Secretary General for the current phase of the oil-for-food programme. This information is available on the United Nations website from the following url: www.un.org/Departments/oip/dp7pdf/dp7exesum.htm .