§ 3.3 p.m.
§ Lord DenhamMy Lords, at a convenient moment after 3.30 this afternoon my noble friend Lord Ferrers will, with the leave of the House, repeat a Statement which is being made in another place on broadcasting and terrorism.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, with the leave of the House, perhaps I may ask the noble Lord the Leader of the House whether the Government propose to make a Statement following the judgment of this House in the Spycatcher case.
§ Lord BelsteadMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government do not now propose to make a Statement about that judgment. It is being studied and considered with care and my right honourable friend the Home Secretary made a Statement to that effect on the same day as the judgment. Copies of my right honourable friend's Statement have been placed in the Library of your Lordships' House.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, does not the noble Lord agree that in addition to the major issues raised in this important judgment itself, there have since been a number of articles, especially in the weekend press—notably an article by Mr. David Leigh in the Observer—which appear to make a prima facie case that there was a conspiracy to undermine a government in this country? If that is so, there is a further clear case for an inquiry of some kind.
§ Lord BelsteadMy Lords, I am always ready to reply to a question put to me by the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition. However, if the noble Lord wishes to raise specific issues they ought to be raised through the normal procedures which are open to us all.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord the Leader of the House for responding to my questions, but I shall be extremely glad if he will confirm to the House that he will convey my remarks to his right honourable friend the Prime Minister.
§ Lord BelsteadMy Lords, I shall certainly draw the attention of my right honourable friend the Prime Minister to this exchange.