§ Lord Spensasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many public interest certificates were issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in each of the past 10 years; and how many were issued in connection with criminal proceedings.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyNo central records have been kept of public interest immunity certificates issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. I regret that a list of such certificates going back 10 years could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, a recent limited search showed that the following certificates have been issued since 1987.
Case Minister Date International Tin Agreement Lady Chalker 1987 (two) Balfour (Dismissal) Mr. Hurd June 1991 January 1992 Osman (Extradition) Mr. Maude June 19901 Lord Caithness February 19921 Matrix Churchill Mr. Garel-Jones September 19921 September 19921 1Issued in connection with criminal proceedings.