Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 3 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 March 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the governments of (a) France, (b) Russia and (c) China on (i) the Volcker investigation into the UN Oil for Food programme and (ii) the illegal movements of oil from Iraq prior to the invasion.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Governments of (a) France, (b) Russia and (c) China on (i) the Volcker investigation into the UN Oil for Food programme and (ii) the illegal movements of oil from Iraq prior to the invasion. [220824] Mr. Rammell: The Government has had regular bilateral and multilateral discussions with France, Russia, China and other Security Council members about the establishment and ongoing work of the Independent Inquiry Committee (IIC) investigating the Oil for Food Programme, including its endorsement under resolution 1538 (21 April 2004). Prior to the military action of 19 March 2003, the Government also regularly raised its concerns in the Security Council and bilaterally with other countries about illegal activities under the UN's Iraq sanctions regime, including the illicit smuggling of oil.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 431 c2000W;431 c1992W; 220824
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Corruption China Inquiries Iraq Food Government France Oil United Nations Russia
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk