To ask the Prime Minister if he will assess the impact of the statement of Archbishop O'Brien of the Archdiocese for US Military Services on moral law on the bombing of Iraq, a copy of which has been sent to him. [67624]

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: I have read Archbishop O'Brien's statement with interest. I am satisfied that the military action against Iraq was necessary on this occasion, had a sound legal basis and achieved its objectives. I believe the region and the international community is safer as a result.