§ Sir Menzies CampbellTo ask the Solicitor-General if she will publish the factual evidence on which the Attorney-General's view on the legal basis for the use of force in Iraq, expressed in his answer of 17 March 2003,Official Report [Lords], columns WA2–3, was based; and if she will make a statement. [156108]
§ The Solicitor-General[holding answer 25 February 2004]No. This information is covered by legal professional privilege and the convention against 1409W disclosure of Law Officers' advice outside Government, mentioned in paragraph 24 of the Ministerial Code. This is consistent with paragraphs 2 and 4d of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
The Attorney-General made a statement in Parliament on 17 March 2003 setting out his view of the legal basis for the use of force against Iraq. On the same date, the Foreign Secretary submitted a memorandum to the Foreign Affairs Committee which gave further detail of the legal position.
§ Sir Menzies CampbellTo ask the Solicitor-General if she will list the occasions on which the Attorney-General formally submitted an opinion on the legality of the use of force against Iraq prior to 18 March 2003; and if she will make a statement. [156250]
§ The Solicitor-General[holding answer 25 February 2004]No. There is a long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, that whether the Law Officers have advised on a particular matter, and the substance of any advice, is not disclosed outside Government. This is consistent with paragraphs 2 and 4d of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
The Attorney-General made a statement in Parliament on 17 March 2003 setting out his view of the legal basis for the use of force against Iraq. On the same date, the Foreign Secretary submitted a memorandum to the Foreign Affairs Committee which gave further detail of the legal position.