Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 June 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 July 2001. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 July 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has for a public inquiry into the fatal shooting of James Ashley by police on 15th January 1998; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for a public inquiry into the fatal shooting of James Ashley by police on 15 January 1998; and if he will make a statement. [263] Mr. Denham: In the debate on the Address on 27 June, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said he hoped that with the continuing work of the Police Complaints Authority and the considerable help of the Police Authority itself, we will be able to make sense of the matter without a further public inquiry. It will be important to ensure that all necessary lessons are learnt from this tragic incident so that the possibility of similar events taking place in Sussex or other forces are minimised. I will want to listen to the concerns of the Ashley family, and I will be meeting them on 4 July.

Secondary information