Written question asked by Lord Carlile of Berriew (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) on Monday, 14 July 2008.

Prisons: SP Inquiry

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will place the Article 2 compliant inquiry into the treatment of SP while in Prison Service custody on a statutory footing, with an independent, legally qualified chair; and

Answer: We regret the curtailment of this investigation and will be exploring the reasons and related matters with the Prison and Probation Ombudsman. Meanwhile, we are giving urgent consideration as to who will conduct a renewed investigation, its processes and expected timetable. In doing so, we will be taking into account the views of representatives of SP and the prospective investigator once identified. The investigation commissioned will meet the state's Article 2 investigative obligations, including in respect of independence, family participation and funding for legal representation.

Secondary information