Blair 'sceptical' about Iraq's claims

The British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, says most people who have studied Iraq's declaration on its weapons programmes are "pretty…

The British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, says most people who have studied Iraq's declaration on its weapons programmes are "pretty sceptical" about the claims it made.

He told the House of Commons that the government would make a formal response to the document after the Christmas recess.

He told Tory leader Mr Iain Duncan Smith it was important to study the report in detail and make a considered response.

But he said most people who had already looked at what was "obviously a very long document are pretty sceptical about the claims that it makes."

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In the last question time session before the Christmas recess, the possibility of a war with Iraq dominated exchanges.

Mr Blair also ruled out following the US in ordering a mass smallpox vaccination programme for every British citizen to counter any possible terrorist attack.

Mr Duncan Smith said: "The US made clear that it will be responding to the Iraqi weapons declaration within days. When will the Government be publishing its own formal response to the declaration?

"On the evidence you have seen so far and already produced, can you say whether you agree with (US Secretary of State) Colin Powell that the scepticism about the Iraqi declaration is well founded?"

Mr Blair replied: "We will make a formal response shortly after the Christmas break. In respect of Colin Powell's remarks, I think most people who have looked at what is obviously a very long document are pretty sceptical about the claims it makes. But it is important we study it in detail and make a formal and considered response."

PA