Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 June 2011.

Abdul Baset Al Megrahi

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether reports on the whereabouts of Abdel Baset Al Megrahi are still being transmitted to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from Libya, and those on his health to East Renfrewshire Council; and whether they will detain him if he returns to the United Kingdom.

Answer: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not monitor the location or health of Abdel Baset Ali Al Megrahi. East Renfrewshire was designated as the local authority responsible for monitoring Al Megrahi's health and location because his family lived in Newton Mearns during his imprisonment in Greenock prison. The Scottish Government have informed us that East Renfrewshire Council, as the supervising local authority, is maintaining regular contact with Al Megrahi as required by the conditions of his release licence. It would not be appropriate for the FCO to ask the council for this confidential information. Should Al Megrahi wish to return to the UK then he would be subject to UK immigration law and therefore be required to apply for an entry visa. Any such application for a visa from Al Megrahi would be considered in the appropriate way including consideration of the seriousness of the offence for which he was convicted.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 9768; 728 c265-6WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Abdul Baset Al Megrahi
Monday, 5 September 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Disclosure of information Bombings Health Immigration Location Prisoners' release Lockerbie Libya al Megrahi, Abdelbasit Ali Mohmed
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk