§ Mr. McNamaraI should like your help on a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
This morning I telephoned the Compton Commission in Belfast to make available to it allegations which had been made about the mistreatment of prisoners in the various interrogation centres. I was was informed by the Secretary of the Commission that it had no power to make inquiries about any person who was arrested and interrogated after 9th August. That means that the Commission will not be able to investigate the cases of the 300 people who have been arrested after that date.
The Home Secretary said last Tuesday:
Intelligence is of enormous importance in defeating the gunmen, but despite that I repeat once again that allegations of this character must be fully investigated."—[OFFICIAL REPORT 19th October 1971; Vol. 823, c. 547.]Because of the apparent limitations which have been placed on the Commission, and because of the statement made to me this morning, may I ask whether the Home Secretary has indicated that he intends to come to the House this morning to make a statement about the limitations on the powers of the Commission?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think that that is really a point of order. I shall carefully consider the preamble, but I am certain that the final conclusion is not a matter for me. I shall consider whether there is a point of order, but I have had no indication from the Home Secretary about his intending to make a statement.