HL Deb 07 March 1972 vol 329 cc6-7

2.46 p.m.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have received the Report of Mr. Justice Scarman on events in Northern Ireland in August, 1969; and, if so, when it will be published.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD WINDLESHAM)

My Lords, the Tribunal under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Scarman was constituted by the Northern Ireland Parliament. I understand that the Report has not yet been received but is expected soon.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, while I welcome that reply, can the Minister say why there has been this very long delay?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, the Inquiry had very complex terms of reference. It covered seven different sets of incidents in 1969. I believe the Tribunal had 170 days of hearings and the analysis of the evidence taken and the preparation of the Report has inevitably been a lengthy task.

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that I had, either from him or from his noble and learned friend, a similar answer that the Report would be made available shortly, and that that was some while rather more than shortly ago? Is he further aware that it has clearly become an enormous and arduous study that this very public-spirited judge has undertaken? And since the noble Lord referred to the Report to the Northern Ireland Government, may I ask him whether it will in fact be freely available, in view of the admirable and prompt reaction by the Government to the Minority Report of the Parker Committee, signed by my noble and learned friend Lord Gardiner?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords. The position is that the Report is now complete and is being printed. The Tribunal was set up by the Parliament of Northern Ireland under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 and therefore the Report will be made to that Parliament But it will of course also be made available to Her Majesty's Government and Members of both Houses.

LORD GARDINER

My Lords, is the noble Lord saying that the Report has not been received either by our Government or by the Government of Northern Ireland?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, I understand that that is the position at present, although it has been completed and is now being printed.