HL Deb 02 February 1999 vol 596 c201WA
Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the baggage belonging to General Pinochet's personal physician and four other members of his staff was broken into by Special Branch at Heathrow on Tuesday 27 December 1998; and, if so, why. [HL596]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government do not normally comment on operational matters, but I understand that the Metropolitan Police have said that no searches were undertaken by their officers in this case, and in these circumstances I am able to confirm that the Home Secretary has received an assurance from the Metropolitan Police to that effect. My right honourable friend, the Home Secretary, has written separately to the noble Lord on this matter.