§ 34. Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Attorney-General whether, in the light of the Parker Report, he will now initiate legal proceedings against the Ministers responsible for authorising the criminal assaults committed in the course of carrying out the interrogation methods described in the report.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralNo, Sir. My right hon. and learned Friend has been shown no evidence to support the allegation that anyone within the jurisdiction of the English courts committed an offence in respect of the interrogation methods described in the Parker Report.
§ Mr. CunninghamWhen a former Lord Chancellor asserts quite distinctly 29 that the actions that were taken are contrary to the law in this country and in Northern Ireland, and the majority in the Parker Committee drew back from any remark about the Northern Ireland situation only in deference to the Northern Ireland courts, is it not necessary to have the matter cleared up quickly to assure the public that Ministers may not hold nominal authority for actions done contrary to law and remain in office?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Parker Report made clear that it would not be proper for the committee to comment on any aspect currently under consideration by the courts of Northern Ireland. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said the same on 2nd March. As to the position in this country, I have nothing to add to the answer I have already given.
§ Mr. Evelyn KingIs not it a fact that over 200 murders have been committed in the past two or three years by the I.R.A. and not a single conviction has yet been secured? Is not that a much more urgent matter for inquiry?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI cannot comment on the figure my hon. Friend has quoted but I understand his concern. The matter still remains one for the Northern Ireland authorities.