Written question asked by Jim Cousins (Labour) on Thursday, 27 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 February 2005. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Thursday, 3 February 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations for (a) the winding up of the UN Compensation Commission as soon as the new Iraqi Government is formed and (b) the return of all unspent monies to the new Iraqi Government. - (Holding answer 2 February 2005).

Answer: Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations for (a) the winding up of the UN Compensation Commission as soon as the new Iraqi Government is formed and (b) the return of all unspent monies to the new Iraqi Government. [211837] Mr. MacShane: [holding answer 2 February 2005]: The UK recognises the importance of the compensation issue to Iraq but also to those individuals, States, and corporations with outstanding claims. Under UN Security Council Resolution 1483, Iraqi payments to the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) can be changed only by a decision of a sovereign Iraqi Government and of the UNCC Governing Council.

Secondary information