§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will(a) reopen the investigation of the death of Francisco Notarantonio and (b) make relevant classified information available to a judicial authority; and if he will make a statement. [2312]
§ Jane KennedyThe death of Mr. Notarantonio was fully investigated by the RUC at the time and I understand that there was insufficient evidence to mount a prosecution. However, a murder investigation is not closed until those responsible for the crime have been brought to justice. As no one has yet been convicted for the murder of Mr. Notarantonio the investigation therefore remains open. Additionally Sir John Stevens is currently conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Patrick Finucane and the terms of reference of this inquiry also cover the allegations of collusion in the murders of individuals like Mr. Notarantonio.
481WI am not aware of any information relevant to this case which has not already been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Should any further evidence come to light I am confident that it will be reported to the prosecuting authority in the usual way.