Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 14 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 November 2005. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 November 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will conduct an inquiry into the implications for the UK of the manipulation of the UN oil-for-food programme in Iraq following the final Volcker report, with particular reference to (a) British citizens identified in the report and (b) those who received oil concessions from Iraq.

Answer: The Government have no plans to hold a separate inquiry into allegations surrounding the Oil-for-Food Programme. The Government believe that the UN and member states need to learn the lessons from the comprehensive investigation carried out by the Independent Inquiry Committee (IIC), chaired by Paul Volcker. The Government co-operated fully with the IIC throughout its investigation and the IIC's findings have been brought to the attention of the relevant UK investigative authorities. Since the publication of the IIC's final report, the Government have also asked the IIC for any further information it holds on British companies and individuals named in the report and will promptly pass any information received on to the relevant UK authorities to consider what further action is required.

Secondary information