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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Morris of Aberavon (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 12 October 2009.

Libya: Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi

Question: My Lords, international affairs are not a devolved matter, although the actual decision in this case was for the Scottish Parliament. Therefore, should the external interests of the United Kingdom be affected, would it not be open to the Government to take whatever action is necessary to protect those interests either by way of comment or in some other way?

Answer: The Government always take interests into account, whether they are those of British nationals, of business or of many other concerns. But it is the case, and I shall repeat it, that the British Government played no part in the decision taken by the Scottish Government. It was absolutely the right of the devolved authority to make the decision, and that is what they did.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 713 c3
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Bombings Prisoners' release Lockerbie Libya al Megrahi, Abdelbasit Ali Mohmed Scottish Government
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk