A useful debate in Westminster Hall this afternoon on the governance of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

David Clelland, who has visited the islands, painted a shocking picture of corruption and serious dishonesty. London has now taken control of the former colony and seeks to establish sound and responsible government.

We know that a BBC Panorama programme on Lord Ashcroft’s business links with the islands has been pulled following heavy letters from his lawyers. What is Ashcroft afraid of? Transparency?

Lord Ashcroft has taken Conservative MPs to the Turks and Caicos Islands on three occasions.

I am told that the Shadow Foreign Secretary, William Hague, met the former disgraced Governor, Michael Misick, in 2007, two years after allegations of corruption began to circulate widely.

Question. Did Michael Misick give contracts to Ashcroft’s companies?

Answer. We don’t know. Yet.

Ashcroft should co-operate fully with the investigation which is now in hand.

On a separate matter. The Electoral Commission tells me it will not place in the Library of the House a copy of the full report of its investigations into Bearwood Corporate Services or the report of the forensic accountants. And neither will it release the names of the officials and staff in the Conservative Party who refused to co-operate with the investigation by voluntarily agreeing to be interviewed by the Commission.