Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 November 1998. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Thursday, 19 November 1998 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16th November, Official Report, 319 c613, what evidence underlay his statement that money for the food programme has gone to elite people around Saddam Hussein; and whom he includes as members of that group.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998, Official Report, column 613, what evidence underlay his statement that money for the food programme has gone to elite people around Saddam Hussein; and whom he includes as members of that group. [60738] The Prime Minister: The Iraqi regime does not have direct access to "oil for food" funds. But as soon as "oil for food" started the Iraqi government reduced its own spending on essential humanitarian goods for the Iraqi people and diverted these funds to other purposes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 319 c751-2W; 60738
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: International assistance Iraq Food Oil Trade UN resolutions Sanctions Hussein, Saddam