HC Deb 10 January 1990 vol 164 c933
7. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects Mr. Charles Powell to return to his Department.

Mr. Sainsbury

In due course.

Mr. Dalyell

May I ask the Minister a question of which I have given him notice? Do Ministers believe Sir Leon Brittan when he asserts that Mr. Powell approved the leaking of legal advice to the Government? Will Ministers do anything about an article in yesterday's Evening Standard, which said "Leon pays Westland debts" and in which it was asserted that there was some kind of a pay-off for—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The question relates to Mr. Charles Powell. Will the hon. Gentleman come to order?

Mr. Dalyell

The fundamental question is this. Is it not highly undesirable that civil servants should be involved in political lying?

Mr. Sainsbury

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving me notice of his question. Despite that, I must tell him that this is not a matter for me. I have nothing to add to the numerous statements and answers to questions from the hon. Gentleman by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Mr. Soames

Will my hon. Friend join me in condemning outright this continuing and disgraceful pursuit of a loyal and devoted public servant?

Mr. Sainsbury

My hon. Friend makes his point very clearly.