Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 September 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 September 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether, in respect of the information Her Majesty's Government received from a foreign intelligence source suggesting that Iraq had attempted to procure uranium from Niger, checks were made with former Iraqi Ambassador Wissam Al-Zahawi. - No.

Answer: Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in respect of the information Her Majesty's Government received from a foreign intelligence source suggesting that Iraq had attempted to procure uranium from Niger, checks were made with former Iraqi ambassador Wissam Al- Zahawi. [186183] Mr. MacShane: No. In the circumstances prevailing in late 2002/early 2003 it would not have been possible for UK officials to have discussed the issue directly with ambassador Al-Zahawi.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c684W; 186183
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Chemical weapons Intelligence services Information Iraq Foreign relations Niger Uranium
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk