Iraq: Chilcot Inquiry

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean Excerpts

Monday 22nd April 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

I take both those points. On the Government’s co-operation with the declassification of documents as the process goes on, the Chilcot inquiry has said on the record that that process is working well. I know that the Government will co-operate as closely as they can to expedite that process of declassification as rapidly as possible.

[Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean]

My Lords, can the Leader of the House tell the House what is the period within which the people mentioned in the report have to respond to the report?

[Lord Hill of Oareford]

I am not able to give a precise timescale for that because that will, by definition, depend on what the findings of the report are, what the criticisms of individuals are and how long that process will need to take. However, I am sure that Sir John is as keen to publish his report, so that we can all see it, as everyone in this House is to get it done.