Written question asked by William Cash (Conservative) on Monday, 19 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 May 2003. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Thursday, 22 May 2003 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Prime Minister, if he will list the occasions since 1973 on which the advice of the Attorney-General to ministers was (a) published in full, (b) published in summary form and (c) reported orally to either House of Parliament. - Includes fact that it has been the practice of successive Governments not to publish advice from the Attorney-General.

Answer: Mr. Cash: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the occasions since 1973 on which the advice of the Attorney-General to Ministers was (a) published in full, (b) published in summary form and (c) reported orally to either House of Parliament. [115474] The Prime Minister: It has been the practice of successive Governments not to publish advice from the Attorney-General. Ministers of this Government are not accountable for what happened under previous Administrations. However, under this Government for example, as the hon. Member will be aware, the Attorney-General made a statement on 17 March setting out his views on the legality of the use of armed force against Iraq. The Attorney-General's advice was not disclosed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 115474; 405 c914-5W;405 c914W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Disclosure of information Armed conflict Attorney General Iraq Legal opinion Ministers Parliament Ministerial statements Iraq conflict
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk