HC Deb 24 March 1999 vol 328 c230W
Sir Norman Fowler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people had access to the Macpherson report prior to some of its contents appearing inThe Sunday Telegraph; and if he will make a statement. [78480]

Mr. Straw

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) on 15 March 1999,Official Report, column 492.

Sir Norman Fowler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what standard of proof will be required in the leak inquiry into the provision of unauthorised information concerning the Macpherson report toThe Sunday Telegraph; and if he will make a statement. [78419]

Mr. Straw

No proof test has been set. My permanent secretary will advise on what course of action might be appropriate, taking account of any weight attached to particular findings by the independent investigator.

Sir Norman Fowler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the leak inquiry into the provision of unauthorised information concerning the Macpherson report toThe Sunday Telegraph; and if he will make a statement. [78418]

Mr. Straw

My permanent secretary expects to receive the independent investigator's conclusions shortly.

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