HL Deb 05 March 2001 vol 623 c10WA
Lord Ahmed

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their response to allegations that 700,000 Chinese soldiers have been deployed in southern Sudan. [HL929]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

We have no evidence of the presence of any Chinese soldiers in Sudan, let alone the figure of 700,000 alleged in one press report.

Lord Ahmed

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any evidence that Sudanese oil revenues are being spent on arms procurement. [HL930]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Sudanese Government have recently restated their commitment to use oil revenues for infrastructure investment, capacity building and social services. There is evidence to suggest that military expenditure has remained stable, but we continue to press for greater clarity in this regard.

Lord Ahmed

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any evidence that Osama bin-Laden either owns or has previously owned drug farms in Sudan. [HL931]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

We have no evidence of this.