HC Deb 12 May 2003 vol 405 cc87-8W
Llew Smith

To ask the Prime Minister what compensation he plans to provide to all surviving civilians from families whose members were injured or killed by the use of United Kingdom weapons during the invasion of Iraq. [111242]

The Prime Minister

Throughout the military conflict we have always tried to minimise the adverse effects of our actions on Iraqi civilians. We have always been, and will remain, in the forefront of efforts to help the Iraqi people.

As the United Kingdom has acted in accordance with international law no issue of compensation arises.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Prime Minister how many former members of the Iraqi Baathist regime are claiming asylum in the UK. [112211]

Beverley Hughes

I have been asked to reply.

The Home Office has no record of an asylum application from anyone with a credible claim to be a senior Baath party member or member of the Iraqi regime. Any evidence to the contrary will be thoroughly investigated.

All applicants for asylum are screened in order to establish their identity. Anyone who might be of security interest will be detained and referred to the appropriate agencies.