§ Viscount Goschenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 11 July (WA 20), what is the form of the inquiry being undertaken into the 17WA disclosure of a telegram from HM Ambassador to Japan; when the inquiry is expected to report; and whether its findings will be made public. [HL3349]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalAn internal inquiry into the possible leak toThe Times of a protectively marked telegram from our Ambassador, Sir Stephen Gomersall, in Tokyo was conducted immediately after the disclosure of the document. The telegram received a very wide distribution, not only within the FCO but also in a number of other government departments. Initial inquiries have not identified a culprit because of the large number of people who have seen the telegram throughout Whitehall. Inquiries will continue. A formal leak investigation will not be made.