Press Releases

Norman Baker
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the releases issued to the media by his Department between 17 July 2003 and 20 July 2003; and at what (a) time and (b) date each was (i) drafted, (ii) cleared for release and (iii) released under embargo to the media.

Des Browne
[holding answer 10 July 2006]: On 19 July 2003, my right hon. Friend, the Member for Ashfield (Mr. Hoon) the then Secretary of State for Defence, released a statement to the media, which explained that the Government had invited Lord Hutton urgently to conduct an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Kelly. According to our records, this statement was released to the media at 3.20 pm on 19 July 2003.

On 21 July 2003, Lord Hutton issued his own statement to the media through the Department for Constitutional Affairs, which confirmed his appointment and set out his Terms of Reference.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold records of precisely when statements to the media are drafted or cleared for release to the media. It is normal practice that press notices are issued to the media shortly after clearance for release is given.

Two other press releases were issued by the Ministry of Defence between 17 July 2003 and 20 July 2003. The way ahead for Multi Role Armoured Vehicles and Future Command and Liaison Vehicles was released to the media at 12.48 pm on 17 July 2003. The launch of the UK Missile Defence Centre was released to the media at 4.42 pm on 18 July 2003.