Public Interest Immunity Certificates

HC Deb 23 July 1999 vol 335 cc728-9W

Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the criteria used by his Department for issuing public interest immunity certificates; and what plans he has to amend these criteria. [92731]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

Government policy on the use of public interest immunity certificates was set out in a statement by my right hon. and Learned Friend the Attorney-General on 11 July 1997,Official Report, columns 616–17. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 28 June 1999, Official Report, columns 18–19. All certificates signed by FCO Ministers since 1 May 1997 have been issued in full accordance with the policy set out in those statements. I have no plans to seek amendment to it.