Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 March 1998. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Thursday, 19 March 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: Statement on the results of his Department's investigation of the incident in which suspected Iraqi CW agent was found in Kuwait after the end of the Gulf War. - Case narrative in Library Dep 98/127).

Answer: Mr. Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the results of his Department's investigation of the incident in which suspected Iraqi CW agent was found in Kuwait after the end of the Gulf War; and if he will make a statement. [35687] Dr. Reid: I am today making public the results of a joint UK-US review of what has become known as the "Sabahiyah" incident, in which a large tank of liquid, initially thought to contain Iraqi mustard agent, was found in Kuwait after the end of the Gulf conflict. The review has concluded that the tank did not contain chemical warfare agent, but rather inhibited red fuming nitric acid to fuel Iraqi Silkworm anti-ship missiles. This is the first of three reviews of events during the Gulf conflict which we pledged to carry out last July. Preparation of the case narrative, which is also being published today in the US, has involved close and detailed cooperation between MOD and the US Department of Defense. A copy of the case narrative will be placed in the Library of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 35687; 308 c721W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Chemical and biological warfare Chemical weapons Iraq Iraq-Kuwait conflict Kuwait