Written question asked by Norman A Godman (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 April 2001 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what representations he has received concerning the holding of an inquiry into a controversial death at the same time as (a) the continuation of a police investigation, (b) the continuation of an inquiry by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman and (c) the continuation of a coroner's inquiry; and if he will place a copy of this advice in the Library.

Answer: Dr. Godman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received concerning the holding of an inquiry into a controversial death at the same time as (a) the continuation of a police investigation, (b) the continuation of an inquiry by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman and (c) the continuation of a coroner's inquiry; and if he will place a copy of this advice in the Library. [156538] Dr. Reid: I have received a range of representations concerning the holding of inquiries in such a case. I am not legally precluded from establishing a public inquiry in advance of the conclusion of any criminal investigation. However, I believe that to do so would carry the significant risk of prejudicing the outcome of any investigation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 156538; 366 c131W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Criminal investigation Death Coroners Inquiries Northern Ireland Public inquiries Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk