UK links to Iraq corruption probe

Oil-for-Food began during the sanctions regime

UK citizens and companies are being investigated over claims of corruption in Iraq's Oil-for-Food scheme, it has been revealed.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has told MPs a "small number of UK individuals and entities" are named in papers about the inquiry sent to the government.

The scheme was set up so Iraq to use some of oil money to buy food and aid.

The Foreign Office says none of those involved in the corruption allegations are connected with the UK Government.

UN secretary general Kofi Annan set up an independent inquiry in April after claims of fraud and corruption emerged over the programme.

Former US Federal Reserve Board chief Paul Volcker is leading the investigation.

Shared documents

US oil refiner Valero Energy and oil giants Exxon Mobil and ChevronTexaco have been subpoenaed to give evidence but no charges have been brought.

News of British involvement emerged in Thursday's report from the Commons foreign affairs committee.

We cannot confirm or deny whether we are investigating any specific cases or provide any further details Customs spokesman

In a letter, Mr Straw told the MPs the UK would cooperate fully with the inquiry and officials and Cabinet minister Hilary Benn had already met Mr Volcker.

Mr Straw said: "I can confirm that the government has been given copies of documents relating to the corruption allegations, and that these name a small number of UK individuals and entities."

He said he could not go into details of the allegations while investigations continued.

Customs and Excise is now examining the documents as the investigating authority in the UK.

A Customs spokesman told BBC News Online: "All we can say at this stage is that we will consider and act upon any information concerning breaches of the Oil For Food programme.

"We cannot confirm or deny whether we are investigating any specific cases or provide any further details."

The MPs say they are glad the Foreign Office has said none of those named in the documents was connected with the UK Government.

It says the government should give more information about the progress of the inquiry into the claims.