§ 2.40 p.m.
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYMy 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 the Director of Public Prosecutions has now completed his consideration of the police evidence relating to the allegations of criminal conduct contained in the book Babies for Burning and whether any charges are being brought against individuals named in that book.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, HOME OFFICE (Lord Harris of Greenwich)My Lords, the Director of Public Prosecutions has not yet completed his consideration of the police evidence relating to the allegations of criminal conduct contained in this book.
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYMy Lords, can my noble friend say when this will come about? After all, these allegations were made last year and investigations—
§ The Earl of LONGFORDOrder, Order! Question!
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYMy Lords, will my noble friend please keep quiet when I am asking a question?
§ The Earl of LONGFORDI say, Question!
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYMy Lords, I ask my noble friend to keep quiet while I am asking a question.
§ The Earl of LONGFORDI say, Question!
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYI want no insolence from my noble friend.
§ The Earl of LONGFORDI repeat, Question!
§ Several Noble Lords:Order, order!
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYMy Lords, may I have silence in the House while I ask my question? I am asking my noble friend when this will come about. I was asking whether he was aware that these charges were made last year, and that other questions relating to this book have been investigated since. I am now asking when the Director of Public Prosecutions will be in a position to decide whether, on the evidence he has obtained, any criminal charges can be made resulting from what was said in this book.
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHMy Lords, I think the Director expects quite soon to come to a decision on this matter.