§ Mr. Bernie GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the provisions of treaty and other international law underlying Her Majesty's Government's assessment that the Government of Libya is not a competent authority to investigate and try the two Libyan nationals named in the warrant issued by the Lord Advocate.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIt is not international law which has led us to the conclusion that it would be wholly inappropriate for Libya to try the accused. The reasons for our conclusion are contained in the written reply I gave the hon. Gentleman on 17 January 1991, at column713.
§ Mr. StanbrookTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will supply a copy of the prosecution evidence against the Libyan citizens alleged to be responsible for the murders at Lockerbie to the Libyan court inquiring into the case.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo. As the Lord Advocate said in his statement on 14 November 1991, proceedings became active for the purpose of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 when the sheriff granted warrants for arrest and he could not therefore comment on the evidence on which the 103W charges are based. The statement made by the Lord Advocate contains details of the allegations against the accused. Copies of the statement are available in the Library of the House.