§ The Marquess of Ailesburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, when Mr. Salman Rushdie is out of the United Kingdom, they cease to regard themselves as responsible for his security.
Earl FerrersThe decision to provide Mr. Rushdie with protection was taken by the Metropolitan Police and not by the Government. The Government's responsibility for Mr. Rushdie's security when out of the United Kingdom is the same as that for any other private citizen. It would be inappropriate to comment further on the arrangements for Mr. Rushdie's security either in the United Kingdom or abroad.