HC Deb 09 June 1989 vol 154 cc263-4W
Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what criteria he selected(a) the means and (b) the timing to let it be known that the possible blackmail of hon. Members had not been in any way associated with the recent expulsion of Soviet citizens.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

The story appeared in newspapers on Friday 26 May. The Leader of the Opposition wrote to me on 26 May to seek a statement of the Government's views. I replied on 26 May, making clear that I should have no objection if the right hon. Member for Islwyn (Mr. Kinnock) wished to publish our exchange. He did so on 27 May.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent statements were made by the Minister of State in his Department, the hon. Member for Bristol West (Mr. Waldegrave) to a BBC correspondent regarding possible blackmail of hon. Members by Soviet agents; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I have nothing to add to the statement issued by my hon. Friend on 2 June.