Holyrood seeks to reveal all documents over release

MORE details could emerge about the decision to release the Lockerbie bomber after the Scottish Government announced that it intends to publish correspondence between all parties involved in his decision, including the US and UK governments.

This may answer questions over whether the UK government intervened at all in the process – an accusation denied by the governments on both sides of the Border.

There have been allegations that the release was part of a deal to give British companies access to oil rights, originating from Tony Blair's meeting in the desert with Colonel Gaddafi.

Publication may also throw more light on what the Obama administration, which has publicly been outraged by the release, actually discussed with Kenny MacAskill.

Scottish Government insiders said the minister hopes to help set the record straight.

However, Mr MacAskill told MSPs he was currently seeking permission to release papers, as many of those who put in submissions had done so without the expectation of them being published.

Afterwards a spokesman for Mr MacAskill confirmed that if he gets permission the minister would publish everything in his possession, including advice from civil servants, even though this is not normally covered under freedom of information laws.

However, questions have been asked over whether he will release the advice he received from civil servants over whether he should meet Megrahi in jail or not. Mr MacAskill avoided answering questions on this when tackled by MSPs yesterday.

Previously, First Minister Alex Salmond said Mr MacAskill had received advice that he should meet the Lockerbie bomber in person following a request from Megrahi.

A Labour spokesman said: "We suspect that no advice will be published because as far as we understand, none was sought."