The financial arrangements of the Al Yamamah programme are confidential between the two Governments. I am withholding details as they would, or would be likely to, prejudice international relations and harm the interests of the United Kingdom.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 8 December 2005, Official Report, column 1495W, to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone).
(2) what requirement was laid down in the Al Yamamah contract on BAE to inform Ministers of payments made under the support services annexes of the contract; and if he will list all payments reported to Ministers as having been made under those provisions showing (a) the date, (b) the purpose and (c) the recipients of such payments.
(2) when Ministers in his Department were first informed of payments being made by BAE Systems under annexes on support services to the Al Yamamah contract;
(3) what mechanisms were in place in his Department for official authorisation of payments made under the support services annexes of the Al Yamamah contract by BAE Systems before 1 June 2007;
(4) when the last payment was made by BAE under the support services annexes of the Al Yamamah contract of which his Department was made aware; and what information he has on arrangements for any future payments.
[holding answers 19 June 2007]: Agreements reached under the Al Yamamah programme are confidential between the two Governments. I am withholding details as they would, or would be likely to, prejudice international relations and harm the interests of the United Kingdom.