§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) on what dates HM Customs and Excise interviewed(a) Mr. Peter Penfold, (b) Mr. Craig Murray, (c) Linda St. Cook, (d) Mr. Tim Andrews, (e) Mr. Philip Packham, (f) Lt. Col. Peter Hicks and (g) Colonel Andrew Gale in the course of their investigation into possible breach of UN Resolution 1132 and the consequent Order in Council; [41820]
(2) which civil servants have been interviewed by HM Customs and Excise in the course of their investigation into possible breach of UN resolution 1132 and the consequent Order in Council; and on what dates. [41821]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 14 May 1998]Customs have announced the conclusion of their investigation into the alleged breaches of the UN/Sierra Leone arms embargo. It is established practice that the Commissioners do not comment further on the details of their investigations.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action the Government are taking to investigate possible violations of arms sanctions in respect of Sierra Leone. [41114]
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 8 May 1998]Customs have conducted an investigation of alleged breaches of the UN/Sierra Leone arms embargo and have announced their conclusions.
I also refer the right hon. Member to the statement by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the House on 18 May 1998, Official Report, columns 604–11, in which he announced the investigation by Sir Thomas Legg KCB QC into allegations about Government involvement with the supply of arms to Sierra Leone by UK citizens and firms, and said that the Terms of Reference would be placed in the Library of the House. The Foreign Secretary intends to publish the report of the investigation.
§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans Customs and Excise have to interview the Secretary of State for International Development or officials of her Department in the course of their investigation into possible breaches of the UN Security Council Resolution 1132 concerning Sierra Leone. [41944]
§ Dawn PrimaroloNone. The Customs and Excise investigation has been concluded in the terms of the announcement of 18 May 1998,Official Report, columns 604–11.