To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent oral and written representations the Prime Minister has made to the President of the United States in relation to his intention to impose sanctions on UK companies doing business in Iran.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what oral and written representations (1) the Foreign Secretary, and (2) the Defence Secretary, have made to their opposite numbers in the government of the United States in relation to the intention of the President of the United States to impose sanctions on UK companies doing business in Iran.

To ask Her Majesty's Government on how many occasions since the President of the United States announced his intention to impose sanctions on UK companies doing business in Iran the matter has been raised at face to face meetings with officials including the United States Ambassador in London.

My Lords, it seems to me this Statement is a triumph of draftsmanship over reality, and the noble Lord, Lord Tugendhat, put his finger on it: does the Cabinet agree? Beyond that is a further question: will the House of Commons be willing to agree? Of course, among the things not mentioned in this Statement is the fact the Secretary of State for Scotland and the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party have both threatened to resign if special arrangements are made for Northern Ireland which are not also extended to Scotland. Have they withdrawn that threat?

My Lords, it seems to me this Statement is a triumph of draftsmanship over reality, and the noble Lord, Lord Tugendhat, put his finger on it: does the Cabinet agree? Beyond that is a further question: will the House of Commons be willing to agree? Of course, among the things not mentioned in this Statement is the fact the Secretary of State for Scotland and the leader of the Scottish Conservative Party have both threatened to resign if special arrangements are made for Northern Ireland which are not also extended to Scotland. Have they withdrawn that threat?