To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his Answer of 12 May 2003, Official Report, column 645W, on Nadhmi Auchi, for what reasons he did not issue his authority to proceed in the extradition case of Mr. Auchi until 18 March. [116236]

[holding answer 3 June 2003]: As indicated in the earlier reply on 19 May 2003, Official Report, column 645W, to which the hon. Member refers, receipt of the request for Mr. Auchi's extradition was followed by various exchanges with French authorities. An authority to proceed was issued as soon as papers supporting the French request were judged to be in satisfactory order for that purpose.