FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT ON SIERRA LEONE

Early day motion 299, tabled 9 February 1999 by Lord Howard of Lympne (Conservative). Signed by 62 members.

That this House notes with concern the findings of the Second Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee Session 1998-99 on Sierra Leone (HC 116) and, in particular, the judgement that Government policy on the arms embargo was 'stated in a way which could mislead parliament, the public and even the FCO's own staff'; notes also that this conclusion supports the findings of the Legg Report, that ministers and officials were aware of, but deliberately played down, the full extent of the embargo, with potentially serious consequences; believes that this is a damning indictment of ministerial behaviour; agrees with the Select Committee that, in respect of the Foreign Secretary's evidence, 'half truths are a dangerous commodity in which to trade'; is appalled also at the picture painted by Legg and the Select Committee of a Foreign Office in shambles, with letters going missing, reports being destroyed, and vital meetings going unminuted; and is concerned that the Government's dismissal of these serious findings betrays a high degree of arrogance and an utter contempt for Parliament.

Signatures by party: Conservative 60, Labour 1, Plaid Cymru 1.