To ask the Prime Minister what response he has given to the report sent to him by Dr. Eric Hoskins, Oxford epidemiologist, commissioned by UNICEF on the children of Iraq.

[holding answer 7 June 1993]: Dr. Hoskins's report contains disturbing information about the suffering in Iraq. It reinforces our view that the responsibility for this lies with the Government of Iraq rather than with UN sanctions regime. Baghdad has imposed an internal economic blockade on northern Iraq, and has refused to implement the mechanisms provided under UN Security Council resolutions 706 and 712 for using the proceeds of oil sales for humanitarian needs, such as food and medicines, which are not covered by sanctions.