Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Monday, 22 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 January 2001. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 January 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 the relationship is between (a) Iraq's unutilised oil for food monies and (b) reparations via the UN Compensation Fund; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the relationship is between (a) Iraq's unutilised oil for food moneys and (b) reparations via the UN Compensation Fund; and if he will make a statement. [147216] Mr. Wilson: Of the nearly $12 billion in the UN Iraq account as of 19 January 2001, $4.5 billion of "oil for food" revenue remains unallocated by Iraq, depriving its people of much needed humanitarian relief. This money remains available to be spent by Iraq under future phases of the "oil for food" programme. There is no relationship between this money and reparations under the UN Compensation Fund. However, it is worth noting that as a measure to give further support to the Iraqi people, the UN Compensation Commission agreed to reduce from 30 per cent. to 25 pre cent. the proportion of revenue dedicated to the UN Compensation Fund under Phase IX of the "oil for food" programme, so releasing more money for food, medicines and other humanitarian relief.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 147216; 362 c245W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Compensation International assistance Humanitarian aid Iraq Food Oil UN Compensation Commission UN resolutions Sanctions
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk