To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what time of day, and on what day, the press statement from his predecessor, the right hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Hoon), on the appointment of Lord Hutton to conduct an inquiry into the death of Dr. David Kelly was (a) cleared for release and (b) released under embargo to the media. (65234)

My right hon. Friend, the Member for Ashfield (Mr. Hoon) did not issue a press statement on the appointment of Lord Hutton while he was serving as the Secretary of State for Defence. A press notice was issued by the Department for Constitutional Affairs on 21 July 2003.