§ 6. Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government take when foreign Heads of Government are assassinated.
§ Mr. EggarWe have consistently condemned the assassination of Heads of Government. Most recently, I am sure the whole House will have had feelings of profound sympathy for the Swedish Government and people following the assassination of Mr. Palme. In that case we offered all possible assistance to the Swedish Government.
§ Mr. BanksI am grateful to the Minister for his reply. In view of the well-documented evidence of CIA involvement in assassination attempts, successful or otherwise, in Cuba, Chile, Guatemala, Iran and Nicaragua, has he made it patently clear to the Americans, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, that we would not support any assassination attempt on Colonel Gaddafi, covertly or otherwise? While he is at it, will he also make it clear to the House that no British personnel are involved in any part of the world in attempts to destabilise countries or assassinate legitimate Heads of State, whatever we might think of them?
§ Mr. EggarI really do think that the hon. Gentleman is being even more absurd than he normally is. I cannot go further than say what I have already said—that of course the Government consistently condemn the assassination of Heads of Government.
§ Mr. GowDoes my hon. Friend agree that it would have been no grievous loss to the civilised world if Colonel Gaddafi had died in the raid on Libya?
§ Mr. EggarObviously my hon. Friend has his own view of Colonel Gaddafi's contribution to Western civilisation.