To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions were held with the United States about the sales of arms to Iraq in the 12 months preceding the invasion of Kuwait; and what information on the United Kingdom sales of arms to Iraq was volunteered to the United Kingdom's allies following the invasion.

There were discussions at various levels with United States authorities on issues arising from the Iraqi arms procurement programme in the year leading up to the invasion of Kuwait. As part of the preparations for the liberation of Kuwait, there was a full exchange of information on all aspects of Iraq's military strength.

Is it not a fact that in June and July 1990 the United States Administration requested that the British Government should co-operate in halting the export of two furnaces being constructed in Strathclyde on behalf of the Consarc Engineering Corporation of America? The request was made as the United States intelligence services advised the British Government that the furnaces were to be used to help in the construction of missile components in Iraq.

I would need notice of that question.