§ Q5. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what is the outcome of the investigation, referred to in his letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 29 November, of the 1068 scrutiny of the film "Maltese Double Cross" by those involved in the investigation; and who were those involved to whom he referred.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Crown Office and Dumfries and Galloway police are still considering the contents of the film.
§ Mr. DalyellIs it not a matter of record that on 19 September 1989 the then Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Parkinson—in good faith, quite certainly—offered the British relatives of the victims of Lockerbie a public inquiry on the condition that it was agreed by his colleagues? Which colleague vetoed that, and why did she do it?
§ The Prime MinisterMy understanding of what I believe the hon. Gentleman has in mind is a little different from that implied by him. I am advised that in 1990 Lord Parkinson undertook to consider with colleagues the case for a confidential inquiry. When, subsequently, a decision was taken to hold the fatal accident inquiry, the case for a second inquiry fell away. I am advised that that was explained and accepted at the time by the relatives.