Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2003 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 evidential basis is for the statements made on page 34 and 35 of the Iraq dossier of 24th September on inspections by UNSCOM of the presidential sites. - Including ref to www.un.org/Depts/unscom/s98-326.htm.

Answer: Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the evidential basis is for the statements made on page 34 and 35 of the Iraq dossier of 24 September on inspections by UNSCOM of the presidential sites. [135348] Mr. Rammell: Only one team of inspectors (UNSCOM 243) was allowed to visit Presidential Sites under a special arrangement facilitated by the UN Secretary-General. Their report of their visit to the sites makes clear that they were not able to carry out full inspections at any of the sites. They were never allowed to return. The full report of UNSCOM 243 can be found on the UNSCOM internet website at: www.un.org/Depts/ unscom/s98-326.htm.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 135348; 413 c1052W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Inquiries Evidence Inspections Iraq Publications Weapons UN Special Commission on Iraq
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk