§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Williams of Mostyn on 21 January (WA 117), for what particular reason they believe the cost of the police protection for General Pinochet during the journey to and from the Magistrates Court at which he appeared cannot be revealed for security reasons; and whether they will reconsider this Answer in light of the Government's claimed commitment to open government and freedom of information. [HL897]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe costs of providing protection are indicative of the scale of protection provided. Such indications could be useful to anyone contemplating or planning an attack. I see no reason in this case to depart from the general policy of not providing this information.