§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that Iraq does not have the capability to use (a) nuclear, (b) chemical and (c) biological weapons of mass destruction. [44311]
§ Mr. BradshawI have been asked to reply.
For 12 years now the UK has been at the forefront of efforts to persuade Iraq to comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions by dismantling its weapons of mass destruction capability, under the supervision of UN weapons inspectors. We have taken military action when Iraqi intransigence has left us with no other option. We have made clear that we would be prepared to do so again if necessary.