§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what contingency plans are in place(a) to supply British citizens who remain in Kuwait with emergency supplies and (b) to evacuate such people; [105249]
(2) how many British citizens remain in Kuwait; what advice he has given them; and what safety equipment has been made available to them. [105250]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe advise against all travel to Kuwait. British nationals are urged to leave while commercial flights remain available. Kuwait airport remains open.
Kuwaiti authorities say that there are no shortages of food or water. There are food stocks to feed the entire population (including expatriates) for several months. Ports are fully functional. The border with Saudi Arabia is open for the overland shipment of imports. Food aid shipments are being made into southern Iraq.
522WOn 11 March 2003, the number of British citizens registered at our embassy in Kuwait was 3,170. By 24 March 2003, 888 citizens had left. There will be some who have not registered, or have left without informing the embassy. Those who remain in Kuwait despite our travel advice are advised to follow the safety instructions of the emergency services in the event of a chemical or biological incident.
I am advised that safety equipment needs to be adequate. However, only a full NBC suit, plus the full training needed to use it, would provide safety. A gas mask and other equipment of themselves might provide a false sense of security without the full NBC suit.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to Kuwait about the use of the Kuwait Compensation Fund for the post-war reconstruction of Iraq. [105264]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe purpose of the UN Commission for Compensation is to compensate for losses arising out of the illegal invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1991. The reconstruction of post-war Iraq will require funds from the wider international community.