HL Deb 27 October 2004 vol 665 cc125-6WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have been requested by the Government or other public authorities of Equatorial Guinea to investigate the activities of British citizens alleged to have been involved in the failed African coup; and, if so, what action has been taken in response. [HL4434]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Equatorial Guinean Government have approached us in relation to their investigations following the alleged attempted coup in March 2004.

We have made clear to the Equatorial Guinean Government that any evidence they may have relating to activities of persons currently in the UK which might contravene UK law should be passed to the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service who are solely responsible for decisions regarding investigations and prosecutions respectively in the UK.

We have made clear that the UK takes its international obligations very seriously and will continue to assist where possible.