HC Deb 12 December 1991 vol 200 cc985-6
9. Mr. A. Cecil Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement concerning proposals to appoint a commissioner to oversee interrogations at Castlereagh police office.

Dr. Mawhinney

I can confirm that the appointment of a commissioner to monitor procedures at Castlereagh, and the two other police holding centres where terrorist suspects are interviewed, is under consideration. My right hon. Friend hopes that he will be in a position to make a firm announcement early next year.

Mr. Walker

Is the Minister aware that there is a perception in Northern Ireland that that appointment emanated from the Anglo-Irish Conference? In those circumstances, will the Minister please confirm that that appointment will have southern Irish connotations?

Dr. Mawhinney

The announcement was first made by my right hon. Friend in the House of Lords during consideration of the emergency provisions Bill—as it then was—I am speaking from memory, but I believe that it was last May. The decision will be taken by this Government whenever it has to be taken. The Government of the Irish Republic and anyone else who wishes to make their views known to us before we make a judgment are, of course, entirely free to do so.

Mr. Mullin

May I say that it seems incredible that, in the light of all that is known about the unreliability of uncorroborated confessions in police custody, there should be those in Northern Ireland who are attempting to defend that practice in relation to the notorious Castlereagh? May I also say that the Department's concern would be taken more seriously if it did not take over three months to get replies from the Secretary of State to hon. Members who draw his attention to accusations that have been made in relation to what goes on in Castlereagh?

Dr. Mawhinney

Castlereagh is not notorious, and most people in Northern Ireland will join me in objecting to the hon. Gentleman's use of that word. Whenever allegations are made about Castlereagh, they are, of course, carefully considered.