Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Friday, 5 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 September 2003. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 18 September 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the basis for the assertion made by the Director of the Joint US-UK Iraq Survey Team, that Saddam Hussein had given orders for his commanders to fire chemical shells at forces invading Iraq.

Answer: Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the basis for the assertion made by the Director of the Joint US-UK Iraq Survey Team, that Saddam Hussein had given orders for his commanders to fire chemical shells at forces invading Iraq. [128806] Mr. Ingram: It is not the Department's policy to comment on remarks allegedly made in a classified briefing to United States Congressional Committees. Coalition forces continue actively to pursue intelligence leads, documentation and individuals connected with Iraq's WMD programmes through the Iraq Survey Group.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 128806; 410 c953W;410 c951W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Armed conflict Chemical weapons Deployment Iraq Iraq conflict Military intelligence
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk