§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what strategic military value is given in the context of the sanctions regime applied against Iraq to the inclusion on the proscribed list of(a) dyes, (b) easels, (c) envelopes, (d) spectacles, (e) flower pots, (f) forks, (g) fountain pens, (h) girdles, (i) handkerchiefs, (j) glue and (k) hearing aides. [145319]
§ Mr. HainNone of the items identified by my hon. Friend are on a list of items which cannot be supplied to Iraq.
As my hon. Friend will be aware from the answer to a similar question tabled by him, 20 December 2000, Official Report, column 203W, United Nations Security Council resolution 1284 (1999) introduced "fast-track" procedures in key humanitarian and infrastructure sectors. More than $3 billion worth of humanitarian goods have already been fast-tracked to Iraq in this way. These goods, which include foodstuffs, medical, agricultural, educational, water and sanitation supplies and oil spare parts no longer require Sanctions Committee approval but only need to be notified to the UN Secretariat. Under Security Council resolution 1330 the lists of "fast-track" goods are being extended to include goods in the electricity and housing sectors.