Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Monday, 7 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 1st February, Official Report, columns 847-8W, on Private Mario Clarke, when a Home Office large murder inquiry system opened on the death of Private Mario Clarke; how many (a) officer hours were expended and (b) statements were taken (i) up to 31st January 2003 and (ii) in each month since January 2003; how many lines of inquiry were being pursued in relation to the death of Private Mario Clarke on 26th December 2003; and on what date a closing report was recorded.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 1 February 2005, Official Report, columns 847-48W, on Private Mario Clarke, when a Home Office large murder inquiry system opened on the death of Private Mario Clarke; how many (a) officer hours were expended and (b) statements were taken (i) up to 31 January 2003 and (ii) in each month since January 2003; how many lines of inquiry were being pursued in relation to the death of Private Mario Clarke on 26 December 2003; and on what date a closing report was recorded. [215701] Ms Blears: The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis reports that up to 31 January 2003 a total of 76 statements were taken. In each month since 31 January 2003, the following number of statements have been taken. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 2003 Number February 3 March 4 April 7 May 2 July 7 September 1 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Up to December 2003 there had been six main lines of inquiry. This is still an ongoing inquiry and as such no closing report has been completed. The Met have indicated that information requested regarding the expansion of officer hours can be provided only at disproportionate expense to the Metropolitan Police Service.

Secondary information