§ Mr. Cookasked the Lord Privy Seal what evidence he has received that members of the Diplomatic Corps in London have issued fraudulent end-user certificates for use by arms purchasers; and what action he has taken upon receiving such evidence.
§ Mr. HurdI assume the hon. Gentleman is referring to recent reports inThe Observer newspaper. We are in close touch with the head of the only mission featured in those reports, who is investigating them. Meanwhile, allegations against the diplomat concerned are vigorously denied by the mission concerned. The question of action by Her Majesty's Government would arise only if firm evidence were produced of illegal or improper activities by members of diplomatic missions in this country or other persons.