To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Government-sponsored collaboration there is between UK (a) scientists and (b) public servants and their counterparts working on Project Coast in South Africa. (186458)

There was no Government-sponsored collaboration between UK scientists or public servants and Project Coast in South Africa. However, in the course of their normal duties, including attendance at international conferences, some Government officials and scientists did have contact with South African counterparts who were subsequently identified as having worked on Project Coast. When allegations of UK assistance to Project Coast emerged, full investigations were held. These found no evidence to suggest UK Government officials knowingly provided assistance to any South African Chemical and Biological Weapons Programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government’s involvement with South Africa’s Project Coast. (186459)

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 16 January 2006, Official Report, columns 985-86W.