HC Deb 15 October 2003 vol 411 cc266-7W
Harry Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his Answer of 20 January 2003,Official Report, column 85W, on Iraq, what the outcome has been of the vigorous investigations into United Kingdom companies named in Iraq's declaration to the United Nations; and if he will make a statement. [131698]

Mr. MacShane

The analysis of the Iraqi declaration showed that there was no new information on British companies that merited action being taken against them. All the British companies that were named in the declaration were already known to the relevant authorities, and their activities had already been investigated. Where appropriate, legal proceedings were pursued at the time.

Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library copies of each memorandum he sent to the Prime Minister, on the situation in respect of Iraq, between 16 and 19 March this year. [131109]

Mr. Rammell

Any such material is withheld in accordance with the Code of Practice on access to Government Information, Part II paragraphs 1(a), 1(b) and 2.

Keith Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Iraq. [131803]

Mr. Rammell

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has no plans to visit Iraq at present, but will keep the situation under review.

Mr. Best

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy on the role of the United Nations in Iraq. [132237]

Mr. Rammell

UNSCR 1483 unanimously adopted on 22 May welcomes the appointment of the UN Special Representative on Iraq and resolves that the United Nations should play a vital role in humanitarian relief, the reconstruction of Iraq and the restoration and establishment of national and local institutions for representative governance.

The Government would support an increased UN role and the Security Council is currently considering a draft resolution which would encourage further participation by the UN and the international community including in the political processes leading to the formation of a representative government.