§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Following the dropping of all charges by the Crown Prosecution Service in the case of Mr Colin Skellet, whether they will list all the background briefings that were given by the police and Crown Prosecution Service to the press at the time of Mr Skellet's arrest; and whether they will name those who authorised them. [HL1558]
§ The Attorney-General (Lord Goldsmith)The Crown Prosecution Service did not give briefings to the press at the time of Mr Skellet's arrest. Once a file on the matter had been received by the Crown Prosecution Service its press office gave factual responses to press inquiries confirming that the file had been received and was under consideration.
I can, however, only reply on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, for which I am responsible. The conduct of the City of London Police is a matter for the Commissioner of the City of London Police.