NAO report into arms deal should be published - Campbell

4.37.01pm GMT Mon 18th Dec 2006

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell is calling on the Government to publish the National Audit Office's (NAO) report on the Al Yamamah contract drawn up for the sale of weaponry to Saudi Arabia in 1992. It remains the only NAO report never to have been released in the public domain.

Sir Menzies Campbell will also call for the Prime Minister to make a statement to the House of Commons to clarify the circumstances surrounding the ending of the inquiry. His call comes in the wake of the halting of the Serious Fraud Office's (SFO) inquiry into BAE Systems. The Liberal Democrats will table a motion on Monday on the order paper for the NAO report to be released, in an attempt to force publication of the report.

Commenting, Sir Menzies Campbell said "Parliament is entitled to see any report commissioned in its name. There is no reason why this report should be treated any differently.

"Before the House rises for the Christmas recess, Parliament is also entitled to a much better explanation for the decision to drop the BAE investigation.

"Conflicting versions from the Prime Minister, the Attorney General and the Head of the Serious Fraud Office need clarification.

"The rule of law has clearly been set aside in favour of other considerations. We are entitled to know precisely what these considerations amounted to and what passed between members of the cabinet, including the Prime Minister and the Attorney General. A statement to the House is required."