Written question asked by Nigel Evans (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 March 2006. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 March 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Mr. David Mills

Question: (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter from the Italian prosecutor to his Department relating to the investigation into Mr. David Mills.

Answer: [holding answer 6 March 2006]: Correspondence between the UK and other countries relating to mutual legal assistance and extradition is by its very nature confidential and the Home Office would normally neither confirm nor deny that such requests have been received or considered by UK authorities. I am aware that a number of documents relating to this case have apparently been leaked to the press.As a result it is clear that advice on extradition matters has been sought and that requests for mutual legal assistance have been received and acted upon. Regardless of this development, and considering the Government's policy to decline to comment on leaked documents, I consider it right to retain the confidentiality of these documents and as such they will not be placed in the Library.

Secondary information