HC Deb 17 March 2003 vol 401 c528W
Norman Lamb

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is the intention of the US to bring anti-personnel mines ashore onto Diego Garcia in order for them to be used in any attack on Iraq. [102350]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I have been asked to reply.

The US authorities have been informed that HMG would be unable to allow the US to bring anti-personnel land mines ashore onto Diego Garcia because that would place the United Kingdom in breach of its obligations under the Ottawa Convention.

Norman Lamb

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the US Government concerning(a) the basing at Diego Garcia of US Navy vessels carrying anti-personnel mines and (b) the possible use in a conflict with Iraq of anti-personnel mines by US military using stocks held in vessels at or near Diego Garcia. [102353]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I have been asked to reply.

HMG has received no representations from the US Government concerning either the basing at Diego Garcia of US vessels carrying anti-personnel mines or the use of any such mines in a conflict with Iraq.