§ Lord Clinton-Davisasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many civil servants were involved in making searches of immigration and naturalisation files concerning President-elect Clinton; over what period such searches were undertaken; and what time was expended and what costs incurred in undertaking these tasks.
Earl FerrersA simple check of the Home Office index of personal immigration and naturalisation files was made. It took only a few minutes of the time of two junior officers. The cost was minimal.
§ Lord Bonham-Carterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the grade of the official who authorised the search of the files of the Immigration and Nationality Department for information relating to the Governor of Arkansas; whether any Minister of the Crown or political adviser was aware of such action; and how many similar searches have been conducted in the last 12 months concerning other non-British nationals as a result of inquiries by the press.
Earl FerrersIn response to inquiries from the press, officials made a simple check of the Home Office index of immigration and naturalisation files. The Head of Information was aware of this. The check was made in order to prevent a wholly unsubstantiated story from continuing. No Minister or political adviser was involved. Officials often carry out similar routine checks for the press office. The number of such checks is not recorded.