§ Harry CohenTo ask the Prime Minister when the Government first received reports of the activities of(a) Osama Bin Laden and (b) Al-Qaeda; what the nature of the reports was in each case; and if he will make a statement. [179891]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have been aware of the activities of Osama Bin Laden and Islamic terrorist networks including Al-Qaeda since the mid-1990s. In relation to the nature of the reports, it has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on intelligence matters.
We and our international partners remain resolute in our determination to defeat terrorism and bring Osama Bin Laden and other Al-Qaeda leaders to justice.