§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether United Kingdom military forces are authorised to kill Saddam Hussein if they receive reliable and authenticated details of his whereabouts. [111238]
§ Mr. HoonI have been asked to reply.
There are of course circumstances in which Saddam Hussein could be killed as a result of military operations to achieve our published campaign objectives. I am withholding information on the details of the Rules of Engagement under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. We will continue to act fully within the constraints of international law governing military conflict.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when(a) Foreign Office officials and (b) Government Ministers were informed of the visit to Iraq in December 1999 by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Kelvin (Mr. Galloway); and what assessment the Foreign Office then made as to the purpose of the visit. [114182]
§ Mr. Mike O'Brien[holding answer 16 May 2003]: My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Kelvin has a long and well publicised association with Iraq. Like all hon. Members he enjoys the privilege of free association, without obligation to inform the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of his visits overseas. As far as we are aware, the FCO was aware of this visit as a matter of routine and courtesy.