Why would Lawrence MacAulay release any information which John Ashcroft was so closed-mouthed about? Ashcroft categorically refused to divulge any information about the nature or source of the intelligence. Of course MacAulay may be indulging in a bit of hubris, too. (Ashcroft stressed that there were a number of sources of information.) The opposition in the House of Commons is ripping into him for this. Are they justified? Or is it a tempest in a teapot?