SCOTT INQUIRY AND PARLIAMENTARY ACCOUNTABILITY

That this House notes that on the announcement of the terms of reference of the judicial inquiry into the export of arms and other military equipment to Iraq made by the Attorney General on 10th November, the honourable Members for Chesterfield and Linlithgow, respectively, sought assurances that parliamentary accountability by Ministers over questions on military sales to Iraq would still be paramount, Official Report, columns 755-6; and is therefore extremely concerned that a succession of Government Ministers have subsequently refused to provide substantive answers to questions by honourable Members on export controls and arms exports to Iraq on the grounds that 'matters relating to the export of defence equipment to Iraq are for Lord Justice Scott's Inquiry to consider' in reply to the honourable Member for Blaenau Gwent, 14th December 1992, Official Report, column 24, and 'the development and application of the guidelines will be a matter for the Scott Inquiry' in reply to the honourable Member for Neath, 9th December 1992, Official Report, column 667; and demands that Ministers treat this House with due respect, and forthwith provide substantive answers to all questions asked concerning military sales to Iraq.