§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what circumstances he approved the hearing in the Maze Prison by three judges from the European Commission on Human Rights, on alleged offences against the British Army and police, brought by the Republic of Ireland.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThese hearings were in relation to a group of seven cases brought by individuals against Her Majesty's Government and were not connected with the case brought by the Government of the Irish Republic. Under the European Convention on Human Rights the Government have an obligation to furnish all necessary facilities to enable the commission to ascertain the facts in such individual cases. When, therefore, the commission asked the Government to make arrangements for three applicants in custody in Northern Ireland to give evidence, it was necessary, in order to give effect to that obligation, to provide facilities for a hearing.