§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Attorney-General (1) for what reason the Treasury Solicitor approached Messrs Nilsson and Lamon regarding their circular to British booksellers about the book, "Spycatcher"; what form the approach took; what warnings it contained about the risk of criminal contempt on the part of Nilsson and Lamon and on the basis of what legal precedents; how the Treasury Solicitor became aware of the circular by Nilsson and Lamon; what is his general policy towards issuing warnings to organisations and individuals about the possible criminal nature of their actions or intended actions; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what assessment he has made of the implications for Her Majesty's Government's obligations under the treaty of Rome and the European Convention on Human Rights of his attempts to prevent paperback editions of the book "Spycatcher" being distributed to British booksellers; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThese questions relate to a letter which is referred to in an affidavit before the Judicial556W Committee of the House of Lords, which is currently hearing the Government's appeal against The Guardian, The Observer and the Sunday Times newspapers. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment upon it while the proceedings continue.