§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he received any request from(a) the police or (b) any other public authority regarding his decision to publish the report into the Barlow Clowes case in light of the prosecutions and further police inquiries which were taking place; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Maude[holding answer 31 October 1988]: My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State announced his intention to publish Sir Godfray Le Quesne's report at the time of Sir Godfray's appointment subject to there being no legal impediment as to content or timing.
Naturally, my Department consults the prosecuting authorities in appropriate cases before publishing material which might be prejudicial to their investigations or to any subsequent prosecutions. Such consultation took place in this case and the views of the prosecuting authorities were given due weight.