§ 31. Mr. AltonTo ask the Attorney-General what representations he has received concerning the right of relatives of those killed at the Hillsborough stadium disaster to reopen, legal proceedings.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Derek Spencer)My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has received a number of representations from Members of this House and will take a decision on an outstanding formal application for consent under section 13 of the Coroners Act 1988 as soon as possible.
§ Mr. AltonDoes the Minister understand the sense of grief felt by many people, including my constituent Philip Hammond whose boy was tragically killed at Hillsborough, and their sense that no line can be drawn on the issue until every legal remedy has been exhausted? Will he therefore assure the House that that announcement will not be long in coming and that he will try to understand the feelings of the relatives involved, who do not feel that the inquest process has been exhaustive?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI am conscious of the continuing grief and anxiety of the many individuals affected by that 645 tragedy. For that reason, the decision must be carefully considered—and it will be. We shall make a decision as soon as possible.