HC Deb 24 June 2003 vol 407 cc695-6W
Mr. Tynan

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many short or medium range ballistic missiles capable of being fired at ranges(a) no greater than 150km and (b) greater than 150km have been identified as having been launched by Iraqi forces during the recent conflict. [114925]

Mr. Ingram

We currently assess that 20 ballistic missiles were launched by Iraqi forces during the recent conflict. Of these, we assess that three were capable of being fired at ranges no greater that 150km and 13 were capable of being fired at ranges greater than 150km. No firm assessments have yet been made in respect of the potential ranges of four of the ballistic missiles.

Mr. Tynan

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons(a) with knowledge of the Iraqi short or medium range missile programmes, (b) who have been involved with such programmes and (c) who were in command positions with units possessing such missiles during the recent conflict have been (i) detained for questioning and (ii) held as prisoners of war by (A) the United Kingdom and (B) other Coalition forces. [114934]

Mr. Ingram

Coalition forces are currently investigating Iraq's programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction, including ballistic missiles with proscribed ranges. These investigations will include debriefing of Iraqi prisoners of war, interviews with senior regime figures and information from other Iraqi military and civilian sources. The breadth of such contacts means that it is not possible to quantify the numbers of interviews on this subject to date. At the appropriate time, we will make the evidence public.

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when British WMD inspectors visited the Rashad chemical and biological research facility in Iraq; and what they found.[117625]

Mr. Hoon

British inspectors have not visited the Rashad chemical and biological research facility in Iraq. We assess that this facility was demolished by the Iraqi authorities in the early 1980s when they relocated their research to purpose built facilities.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the risk that biological weapons formerly possessed by the government of Saddam Hussein may have(a) left Iraq or (b) come into the possession of terrorist groups.[113014]

Mr. Hoon

The potential proliferation of materials and technology related to Iraqi programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction, including biological weapons, remains a matter of concern. Coalition forces continue to take action to secure sites, equipment, and material which may relate to WMD programmes, or which may otherwise contain hazardous substances, within the overall aim of restoring security and stability to Iraq. Our long term aim will be to account for, and eliminate, any WMD capability, including any biological weapons. We are confident that further evidence of Iraq's WMD programmes will be uncovered. At the appropriate time, we will make the evidence public.