Written question asked by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 1 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 April 2004. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 April 2004 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 plans she has to offer guarantees to British companies working in the reconstruction of Iraq with regard to the safety of their (a) employees and (b) assets.

Answer: Mr. Chidgey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to offer guarantees to British companies working in the reconstruction of Iraq with regard to the safety of their (a) employees and (b) assets. [166608] Mr. Timms: We do not offer guarantees to British companies regarding the safety of employees and company assets while working in Iraq. British companies considering sending staff to Iraq are advised to consult the current travel advice, published on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, www.fco. gov.uk, which advises against all but the most essential travel to Iraq and that even the most essential travel to Iraq should be delayed, if possible. Companies with planned involvement in reconstruction projects are also advised to contact the Iraq Unit in UK Trade and Investment for further information. We do not provide general advice and information on a range of issues to British companies wanting to assist in the reconstruction process in Iraq but it is for the companies themselves to assess the risks and take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of their employees and assets.

Secondary information