HC Deb 18 November 1986 vol 105 cc434-5
Q3. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister when she first became aware that the Solicitor-General had agreed to write to the then Secretary of State for Defence alleging material inaccuracies in his letter to the European Consortium.

The Prime Minister

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the written answer that I gave him yesterday.

Mr. Dalyell

In that case, why did the Attorney-General go to the lengths of threatening the Cabinet Secretary with action by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the police because the Prime Minister did not agree to the setting up of a leak inquiry and authorising it?

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the many answers that I have given in statements and debates from the Dispatch Box.

Mr. Baldry

When the next general election eventually comes, will my right hon. Friend—

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is a definitive question.

Mr. Wilkinson

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the general public are more interested in the future of the European helicopter industry and those who work for it in Britain, especially at Westlands, than in who might have written what to whom and when?

The Prime Minister

The future of the European helicopter industry is extremely important, as is the future of Westland, but I have nothing to add in regard to the point which was the subject of the previous question.

Mr. Bell

In relation to the answer that the Prime Minister has given my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell), is she aware of the phrase of Aneurin Bevan—that he who fights and runs away lives to run away another day?

The Prime Minister

What the hon. Gentleman does not like is the fact that he has had the answers.

Mr. Butterfill

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, much as we seek to support President Alfonsin and the newly emergent democratic Government—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That does not relate to this question, which is not an open question.

Mr. Leadbitter

Will the right hon. Lady bear in mind that the submissions that the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Robert Armstrong, is making in Australia this week—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That does not relate to this question either. I think that we should move on.

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