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Hilary Benn: I have not read the article to which the hon. Gentleman referred, and I do not accept the description of the situation that he has just given.
Mr. Tom Clarke (Coatbridge and Chryston): In thanking my right hon. Friend for his comprehensive statement, may I ask whether he is aware of the concerns of the Kurdish representatives on the Iraqi governing council about northern Iraq? Those of us who have seen the tremendous transformation in health and education since the early '90s—there are now two universities, road infrastructure has improved and so on—share the view that that progress should continue. However, we also share concerns that have been expressed about neighbouring states and their objectives, and I would be grateful for his view on that. Is he convinced that the standing of northern Iraq and its boundaries and human rights are being respected by neighbouring states, including Turkey?
Hilary Benn: It is very important that all countries, particularly neighbouring states, act in a way that supports the political, economic and social process of reconstruction in Iraq. I am acutely aware of the position of the Kurdish part of Iraq, what it has gained from the protection provided in the past by the no-fly zone and the opportunities that have opened up with the fall of Saddam. It is important that we respect that, and that the Kurds play a full part in decisions within Iraq about the future structure of the country. One of the great merits of the governing council in the form in which it was established is that it recognised the Shi'a, the Sunni, the Kurds and the Iraqi Communist party in an effort to represent all the interests of the country, while acknowledging that Iraq is a complex country with a difficult history and that making decisions about its future governance will require much careful debate and discussion. I am sure that the process that is now in
place will ensure that the Kurdish people and the Kurdish part of Iraq can play their part in reaching those decisions, because we want to build on what has been achieved.
Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East): Is it not precisely because this is such a complex situation that it is unfortunate that Britain is not being consulted when the Americans are making key decisions about what is to be done? The Secretary of State, as always, was comprehensive in his reply to the shadow Secretary of State, but he did not address the point about the Foreign Secretary or, indeed, any Government representative not being included in the discussions between the Americans and Ambassador Bremer? I think that the Secretary of State is old enough to remember what happened in the run-up to our withdrawal from Aden, when the security situation was coming under control, only for a premature announcement to be made that we were going to withdraw. That was intended to pacify people, but it encouraged the terrorists. It is important that we are not panicked into hasty action and that the Americans are not either. With our experience, there may be some things that we can usefully tell them about such a process.
Hilary Benn: I shall resist the temptation, because I would probably be ruled out of order, to discuss the experience of our withdrawal from Aden in 1967. Discussions are taking place all the time between all the parties in the process, including Ambassador Bremer, whom I met when I was in Baghdad and with whom Jeremy Greenstock has regular discussions. One should not confuse what appears in some newspapers with the reality of the debate. Everybody in the process should reflect on what has worked and what has not, and the way in which we can change what we are doing in response to changing circumstances. That is the sensible thing to do. As a result of those discussions, the Iraqi governing council will take decisions and make recommendations on 15 December that will chart the way forward.
Mr. Harry Barnes (North-East Derbyshire): Is my right hon. Friend aware that Saddam Hussein, like Adolf Hitler, had his people dragooned, incorporated and controlled by three mass organisations—one for women, one for young people and one for trade unionists? Now that those organisations are free to act, they are often in desperate need of office facilities, education and other provisions. The Foreign Secretary met the general secretary of the TUC and trade union leaders last week to discuss the situation of trade unions in Iraq, but what progress has been made in assisting those bodies, including organisations for women and young people, in playing a full role in the development of civic society?
Hilary Benn: My hon. Friend made an important point about the contribution that civil society can make to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Iraq. I can give him a practical example of support provided by the CPA in the south. Towards the end of September, I met a women's organisation in Basra that is being offered meeting space in the CPA headquarters so that it can come together to discuss issues in the town. It expressed
appreciation to Sir Hilary Synnott, the head of CPA south, and me for giving them access to those facilities. It is important that we do everything that we can to encourage people who are bringing Iraqi civil society back to life, because it was cruelly repressed, as my hon. Friend said, under Saddam. That is an important part of rebuilding the country.
Richard Younger-Ross (Teignbridge): The answer to the question asked by the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Rev. Martin Smyth) is that only two members of the police have been allocated. Although the Secretary of State did not say so, that was certainly the answer the last time that I asked. Will he expand on the restructuring of the power industry, particularly the rebuilding of power plants? I have asked before when that restructuring would begin, but I was given vague answers. No one would say when the contracts would be let or whatever. Will the Secretary of State tell us when they will be let, or are they still stuck in red tape in Washington?
Hilary Benn: I undertake to write to the hon. Gentleman to give him a comprehensive answer on the current state of play in relation to those contracts.
Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford): My right hon. Friend will know that in post-conflict situations, violence against women escalates. Will he ask his officials to look at Iraqi micro-projects such as the Baghdad women's shelter that is being run by the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq, and which is giving support to women escaping honour killings? Small grants to such projects could do much to save lives and to give Iraqi women more confidence in the coalition.
Hilary Benn: I gladly undertake to ask my officials to look at the project to which my hon. Friend refers. I will write to her, and perhaps we can discuss it.
Speaker's Statement
1.31 pm
Mr. Speaker: Yesterday, the hon. Member for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush (Mr. Soley) raised as a point of order a complaint about a letter that he had received from the editor of The Sun. He regarded that letter as a threat that would in effect be a breach of his privileges as a Member of Parliament. I promised that I would look into the matter. The hon. Gentleman will recall that we had already exchanged letters on this matter. As I have indicated to him, "Erskine May" records, on page 121, that
- "privilege applies in relation to obstruction of Members in the discharge of their responsibilities to the House or in their participation in its proceedings".
- "not all responsibilities assumed by Members fall within this definition".
May I point out to the House that complaints of breach of privilege should always be made to me in writing? The procedure for doing so is set out on page 144 of "Erskine May".
Mr. Clive Soley (Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush): I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for that clarification, and for making it clear to the House that the issue is as it is. I never claimed privilege on the issue. I think that when a multinational newspaper organisation uses an editor to reply to a Member when they have not been involved in any discussions, it is right that the House should be aware of it. I am very grateful that you have placed that on the record in the way that you have.
Points of Order
1.32 pm
Mr. David Wilshire (Spelthorne): On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, of which I gave you notice earlier today. I can confirm that I have also drawn the matter to the attention of the Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Leslie).
Yesterday, I received a letter from the Minister's diary secretary at the Department for Constitutional Affairs. It says:
- "I am writing to inform you that Christopher Leslie will be visiting your constituency on 12th November 2003 for the opening of the Criminal Justice Centre in Staines. The Minister will be present between 13.00 and 17.00.
I would be grateful if you could send me any local information that you think will be relevant to Mr. Leslie's visit."
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