Written question asked by Lord Maude of Horsham (Conservative) on Monday, 14 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 February 2000. It was answered by Robin Cook (Labour) on Monday, 21 February 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will set up an inquiry into allegations that the British security services knew of plans to assassinate Colonel Gaddafi; when Britain's security services knew about proposals to assassinate Colonel Gaddafi; and if he will make a statement; when he was first informed of plans to assassinate Colonel Gaddafi; what he knew about such plans; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will set up an inquiry into allegations that the British security services knew of plans to assassinate Colonel Gaddafi; [110517] (2) when Britain's security services knew about proposals to assassinate Colonel Gaddafi; and if he will make a statement; [110519] (3) when he was first informed of plans to assassinate Colonel Gaddafi; what he knew about such plans; and if he will make a statement. [110518] Mr. Robin Cook: I was informed of the background to Mr. Shaylor's allegations in August 1998. Nothing in the Internet report sustains the allegation that either the previous Administration or the Intelligence Agencies proposed the assassination of Colonel Gaddafi. If the right hon. Member has evidence that the previous Administration authorised an assassination, I would be glad to receive it.

Secondary information