Written question asked by John Gunnell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 February 1997. It was answered by Anthony Nelson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What consultations were carried out by the DTI-funded Committee for Middle East Trade before deciding to encourage British firms to bid for the Iraqi contracts sanctioned under UNSCR 986. - (Holding answer 4 February 1997).

Answer: Mr. Gunnell: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations were carried out by the DTI-funded committee for middle east trade before deciding to encourage British firms to bid for the Iraqi contracts sanctioned under United Nations Security Council resolution 986. [14244] Mr. Nelson: [holding answer 4 February 1997]: The committee for middle east trade consulted my Department, which is in close touch with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on this issue. SCR 986 is a one-off humanitarian measure to help alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people and it is proper that British firms should compete for business under it.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14244; 289 c610W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Contracts Iraq Overseas trade United Nations UN resolutions Committee for Middle East Trade