Vol. 408 No. 4
52 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether adequate essential items are now getting into Iraq with particular reference to chemicals for the purification of drinking water and medical supplies; and if he will outline (1) the amount of each item now getting into Iraq and (2) when these supplies started getting through.
From 22 March 1991 the Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council determined that civilian and humanitarian imports to Iraq including water purification chemicals and equipment should be exempt from the trade sanctions with immediate effect, subject to the approval of the committee by accelerated procedure. This was confirmed subsequently in Resolution 687 of the Security Council dated 3 April 1991.
"Supplies intended strictly for medical purposes" were exempt from the beginning of the sanctions under Resolution 661 of 6 August 1990.
The position in regard to the adequacy of supply of chemicals for water purification is not fully clear; as I pointed out to the Deputy last week, I greatly deplore any impediment to the supply of medical requirements.
