Ministers warned in 1988 about exports to Iraq

Article Abstract:

Government papers produced at the Matrix Churchill trial show that ministers had information about the export of machine tools to Iraq in Jan 1988. An inter-departmental committee advised ministers to allow the licences to remain in force to protect intelligence sources and to save British jobs and exports. The government changed its interpretation of the rules on exports to Iraq. By Sep 1989 ministers recommended refusal of licences but former Minister for Defence Procurement Lord Trefgarne backed the exports.

Cases, International trade, Licensing agreements, Iraq, United Kingdom. Ministry of Defence, Weapons industry, Matrix-Churchill Corp.

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Ministers, agencies and excuses

Article Abstract:

The question of responibility for failures in the public services has been highlighted by recent revelations of security lapses in prisons. In most cases, the principles behind the new agencies which are running public services remain valid, with ministers remaining responsible for policy while the agencies are independent in operational issues. However, some agencies are extremely politically sensitive, and it is very uncertain who is ultimately responsible for them.

Management, Municipal services

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Ministers accept code for Civil Service

Article Abstract:

The UK government has agreed that there is a need to introduce a new code of ethics for the Civil Service. It hopes that introducing measures improving ethical standards at this stage will pre-empt the likely findings of current inquiries into standards in public life. It has made an offer of cross-party agreement on a new statutory code, thus reducing the Labour party's opportunity of gaining political advantage from the issue.

United Kingdom, Civil service ethics

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