Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 15 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 November 2001. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Friday, 23 November 2001 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 representations he has received on the impact of sanctions on the access of Iraqi citizens to clean water; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures. (Printed in Bound Volume on 20.11.2001 at c182-3W)

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the impact of sanctions on the access of Iraqi citizens to clean water; and if he will make a statement. [16274] Mr. Bradshaw: We regularly receive parliamentary and public correspondence on all aspects of sanctions on Iraq, including the water and sanitation sector. Since 1990, the UK has donated over £100 million of humanitarian aid to Iraq (including £5.5 million this year) for projects which include the rehabilitation of water and sanitation infrastructure. In addition, earlier this year the EU agreed a 13 million euro aid package for projects which include the provision of clean drinking water. By contrast, the Iraqi regime continues to hamper all aspects of the oil for food programme. At a time when around $2 billion lies unspent by Iraq in the UN escrow account, Iraq has, for example, cut spending in this sector by 18 per cent. in 2001 compared to last year. Iraq continues to refuse to allow UN officials to enter Iraq to discuss a cash component for sectors identified by the UN Secretary-General as being critical, one of which is water and sanitation.

Secondary information