HC Deb 22 May 2003 vol 405 c914W
Mr. Cash

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the occasions since 1973 on which the advice of the Attorney-General to Ministers was(a) published in full, (b) published in summary form and (c) reported orally to either House of Parliament. [115474]

The Prime Minister

It has been the practice of successive Governments not to publish advice from the Attorney-General.

Ministers of this Government are not accountable for what happened under previous Administrations. However, under this Government for example, as the hon. Member will be aware, the Attorney-General made a statement on 17 March setting out his views on the legality of the use of armed force against Iraq. The Attorney-General's advice was not disclosed.