§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration has been given to the offer of the Iraqi Government to allow British weapon inspectors into Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [43912]
§ Mr. StrawThe UK Government have received no direct approach from the Government of Iraq, although we are aware that an Iraqi spokesman announced such an offer through the state-controlled Iraqi media. The demand of the international community is for UN weapons inspectors to be allowed into Iraq. They have built up a vast amount of knowledge about Iraq's weapons and know where to look. United Nations Security Council resolutions also require Iraq to allow the weapons inspectors full, unconditional access at any time. If Iraq truly has nothing to hide it will let them in on this basis. I note from the Iraqi spokesman's announcement that the British team would be allowed to visit only sites named in advance. We are looking for Iraqi disarmament, not yet more propaganda stunts.
§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to obtain(a) UN and (b) NATO authorisation to allow a United Kingdom military attack on Iraq. [45159]
§ Mr. BradshawNo decision has been taken to launch military action against Iraq, and so the question of whether authorisation is needed does not arise.