[Shasown]

Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi has blocked publication of medical reports on his condition.

Seven months have passed since he was freed from prison on compassionate grounds and allowed to go home to Libya after medical evidence indicated he only had three months to live.

East Renfrewshire Council, which is in weekly contact with Megrahi under the terms of his release, had asked the bomber if his medical reports could be released, after an approach by Labour MSP Lord Foulkes.

These could be released, with Megrahi's permission. But a council official said in a letter to Lord Foulkes: "I have been advised, however, that Mr Megrahi does not consent to the release of his personal data."

And the Labour peer hit out: "If the medical evidence backed up the decision to release Megrahi, then there should be no reason why it can't be published.

"The refusal by Megrahi, his lawyers and ministers can only mean they have something to hide. It is a matter of public importance."

Megrahi was greeted by cheering crowds in Tripoli after flying home from Scotland, scenes which prompting widespread revulsion in Britain and the US.

Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill cited the three-month prognosis when he released the convicted bomber on August 20 last year.

Tory justice spokesman Bill Aitken said: "This is getting ridiculous. The public has a right to know the full details of why the Lockerbie bomber was released, including backdated reports and all ongoing medical assessments."