Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 December 2002. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 December 2002 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 assessment his Department has made of the way commercial oil interests would be affected by a war against Iraq. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the way commercial oil interests would be affected by a war against Iraq. [84347] Mr. Rammell: No decision has been taken to launch military action against Iraq. However, if military action were to occur, we do not believe that the loss of Iraqi oil supplies, even for an extended period of time, would significantly disrupt the fundamental balance of supply and demand in the world market.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 84347; 396 c181W
Session: 2002-03
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Armed conflict Energy supply Iraq Fuels Oil Trade Iraq conflict Oil exporting countries
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk