Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 9 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 January 2003. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Monday, 20 January 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 recent assessment she has made of the (a) extent and (b) accessibility of oil under Iraqi sovereignty; and what recent (a) representations she has received from and (b) discussions she has had with BP on this matter. - Includes figures and fact that not able to comment on specific commercial issues.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment she has made of the (a) extent and (b) accessibility of oil under Iraqi sovereignty; and what recent (a) representations she has received from and (b) discussions she has had with BP on this matter. [90790] Mr. Wilson: Iraq's proven oil reserves are estimate to be 112.5 billion barrels which amounts to over 10 per cent. of the world's total reserves. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is in regular contact with all the major UK oil companies, but "Under Exemption 13, third party commercials confidences of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on access to government information", I am not able to comment on specific commercial issues.

Secondary information