Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Thursday, 3 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 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, how many times lawyers representing Saddam Hussein have met their client since 16th December 2004.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times lawyers representing Saddam Hussein have met their client since 16 December 2004. [220818] Mr. Rammell: Saddam Hussein is a criminal detainee and is liable to prosecution under the Iraqi criminal justice system. He was transferred into the Iraqi criminal justice system on 1 July 2004, and is currently awaiting trial. At the request of Prime Minster Allawi, the US will maintain physical custody of Saddam Hussein until such time as the Iraqi Correctional Service is able to provide for his safe and secure detention. The US authorities have told us that Saddam Hussein has seen his lawyer once since 16 December 2004. He has not requested to see his lawyer since that meeting.

Secondary information