Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 10 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 October 2005. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Friday, 14 October 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq (Anthrax Exports)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has with the United States Administration on exports of anthrax to Iraq from the United States prior to the War; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: A great deal of debate was generated in both Houses of Parliament, when interest in this issue first arose in December 2003. We consulted the United States embassy in London, who noted that the export of anthrax from the United States to Iraq in the 1980's was subject to scrutiny by the relevant US authority. Export licenses were granted for the transfers in accordance with controls in place at the time.The quantities exported were consistent with the requirements of legitimate scientific research and the United States authorities judged that there was no reason to suppose that the materials would be used for anything other than legitimate scientific purposes, namely the manufacture of vaccines. Anthrax, in particular, is endemic in Iraq.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 17457; 437 c643W;437 c649W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Anthrax
Monday, 21 November 2005
Written questions
House of Commons; Anthrax Sales (Iraq)
Wednesday, 16 November 2005
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Iraq USA Anthrax