HC Deb 20 March 1995 vol 257 cc14-5
33. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Attorney-General when he expects to be able to make a statement about progress under the War Crimes Act 1991. [12981]

The Attorney-General

The Crown Prosecution Service has referred the cases of seven potential defendants to Treasury counsel for advice. That advice has now been delivered. It is being considered with great care by the CPS and by my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General and myself. I cannot, at this stage, predict whether or when any prosecution will be initiated.

Mr. Marshall

Does my right hon. and learned Friend accept that it is high time that decisions were made on those cases? The 1991 Act was passed by the House with a large majority several years ago and it is high time that those cases were brought to trial before the witnesses to those awful offences may die.

The Attorney-General

I quite understand the need for expedition. The evidence and all relevant surrounding circumstances will be examined scrupulously in the light, first, of the expressed will of Parliament and secondly—the House will regard this as being of great importance—in conformity with the proper and necessary requirements of justice.

Mrs. Dunwoody

No one doubts that the Attorney-General is correct to demand proper performances of justice, but he will understand that genocide is not something to be treated lightly; nor can it be ignored. I must ask him to try to expedite the hearings, because, after all these years, speed is the very least that we can offer those who suffered in a way that many of us find inconceivable.

The Attorney-General

The hon. Lady and the House will realise that the police, having been charged with the burden, have carried out a careful examination, which is now being looked at by senior lawyers. The outcome of that examination must then be considered by the CPS, in consultation with my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General and myself. That is the stage that has been reached. There will be no dilly-dallying in the matter, but equally it must be looked at extremely carefully