Written question asked by Lynne Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 February 1998. It was answered by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 February 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what are the alternative civilian uses of the four plants in Iraq which have been used to produce chemical warfare munitions; what characteristics of these plants make them suitable for chemical weapons; and if these are necessary for the civilian uses.

Answer: Dr. Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the alternative civilian uses of the four plants in Iraq which have been used to produce chemical warfare munitions; what characteristics of these plants make them suitable for chemical weapons; and if these are necessary for the civilian uses. [29287] Mr. Tony Lloyd: There are a number of sites involved in Iraq's chemical warfare programme, or with the capability to become involved, which also have legitimate civilian uses. In the case of Iraq these have included the production of pesticides, fertilisers and chemicals for water purification. Because of the dual-use nature of the equipment and materials involved, many such plants are capable of being used to produce chemical weapons.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 29287; 306 c695W;306 c693W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Chemical and biological warfare Chemical weapons Chemicals Industry Iraq