§ 7. Mr. DalyellPursuant to his answer of 22 December 1997, Official Report, column 569, if he will make a statement on the police investigations into the murder of Woman Police Constable Fletcher. [35156]
§ Mr. StrawThe current police investigation into the murder of Police Constable Yvonne Fletcher was established last year to inquire into the issues raised by the "Dispatches" programme. The investigation, which has proved more complex than originally expected, involves extensive inquiries overseas and is continuing. I expect to receive a report as soon as is practicable after the police inquiries are completed.
§ Mr. DalyellI saw Assistant Commissioner David Veness in Scotland Yard last July. I have not the slightest doubt that the police are doing everything possible to get to the bottom of a case that affects one of their own. However, will my right hon. Friend have a word with the Foreign Secretary, because these complex issues involve overseas visits? Does he accept that, as with Lockerbie, the case against Libya is not so simple that it can form a sound basis for continued United Nations sanctions? As a senior member of the Government, will he confront the Foreign Secretary on that?
§ Mr. StrawThe first thing that I shall do is pass on my hon. Friend's thanks to Assistant Commissioner David Veness. The police have been pursuing the matter with 888 the greatest of assiduity. I have no intention of confronting my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. However, I talk to him frequently. I shall certainly raise what my hon. Friend has said.