HL Deb 15 April 1999 vol 599 cc133-4WA
Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the police officers who arrested General Pinochet while he was still partially affected by anaesthetic did so with drawn revolvers; and, if so, why. [HL1782]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I understand from the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis that the police officers who arrested Senator Pinochet were unarmed.

Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether General Pinochet was fully conscious and lucid when arrested; and, if not, how he was made aware that he was under arrest. [HL1902]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I understand from the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis that Senator Pinochet was fully conscious and lucid when arrested.

Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, before the arrest of General Pinochet, any enquiries were made suggesting that Judge Garzon wanted to cross-examine General Pinochet; if such enquiries were made, by whom and when they were made; and what reply was given. [HL1905]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The fifth Central Magistrate's Court in Madrid contacted the Metropolitan Police via Interpol on 14 October. Disclosure of any such enquiries is a matter for the Metropolitan Police.

Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many times the Home Secretary has discussed any aspect of the case of General Pinochet with the Prime Minister; whether they will give details; and whether minutes exist of these meetings. [HL1817]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

It is the normal convention under this and previous governments that discussions which take place between the Prime Minister and Ministers are not routinely disclosed. it has, however, been made public that the Prime Minister made clear to the Cabinet on 22 October 1998 that there should be no discussion at Cabinet, given that my right honourable friend the Home Secretary might have to address the issue in a quasi-judicial role.

Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions the Home Secretary has discussed the case of General Pinochet with Jeremy Corbyn MP; and whether they will give details. [HL1819]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary has told me that he has received the views of Jeremy Corbyn MP about the case of Senator Pinochet, along with the views of many other MPs, but that he has not discussed the merits of the case with Mr. Corbyn or with any other Member.