Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 26 March 2007.

Iraq: Yellowcake Claims

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will now disclose the claimed separate intelligence on the alleged attempt by Iraq to buy yellowcake from Niger cited by Lord Butler of Brockwell in his review of the intelligence used to justify the invasion of Iraq.

Answer: As reported by Lord Butler of Brockwell in his review of intelligence on weapons of mass destruction, "““The British Government had intelligence from several different sources indicating that [a visit to Niger by Iraqi officials in 1999] was for the purpose of acquiring uranium. Since uranium constitutes almost three-quarters of Niger’s exports, the intelligence was credible. The evidence was not conclusive that Iraq actually purchased, as opposed to having sought, uranium and the British Government did not claim this””." The Government have fully accepted Lord Butler's report. There are no plans to disclose the intelligence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2592; 690 c246WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Disclosure of information Iraq Procurement Niger Uranium Military intelligence
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk