HC Deb 06 July 1972 vol 840 cc740-1
21. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has now received the report on allegations of torture under the aegis of the Army in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Howell

I understand that the investigations into a number of allegations are almost complete.

Mr. Jenkins

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I am glad to hear that? Is it not undesirable from everyone's point of view, including that of the soldiers who have been accused and the other accused, that allegations about events said to have occurred in April and charged in May should still be unreported?

Mr. Howell

Of course it is desirable that all allegations should be cleared up. In some cases there have been delays, in one case because of a refusal by a solicitor to allow an RUC officer to see his clients because charges were being preferred against them and their statements might form part of their defence. That was the delay in one case. In other cases investigations are almost complete, and I cannot anticipate the findings of the police.