Written question asked by Adam Price (Plaid Cymru) on Monday, 10 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 March 2003. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 March 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what (a) discussions she has held with and (b) representations she has received from the US Government concerning the exploitation of Iraqi oil following any conflict which leads to regime change; what discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues concerning the exploitation of Iraqi oil following a conflict in the Middle East; what discussions she has held with multinational oil companies concerning the exploitation of Iraqi oil following any conflict in the Middle East.

Answer: Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what (a) discussions she has held with and (b) representations she has received from the US Government concerning the exploitation of Iraqi oil following any conflict which leads to regime change; [102750] (2) what discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues concerning the exploitation of Iraqi oil following a conflict in the Middle East; [102757] (3) what discussions she has held with multinational oil companies concerning the exploitation of Iraqi oil following any conflict in the Middle East. [102751] Ms Hewitt: It is our position that Iraqi oil is owned by the Iraqi people. Its revenues should be used for the good of the people. We make this clear in all our contacts on the subject. However, the current situation is not about oil, it is about weapons of mass destruction and the Iraqi regime deliberately flouting the will of the United Nations.

Secondary information