§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Prime Minister whether any Government Department in the United Kingdom or its representatives abroad were consulted about the decision to delay the inquest on the three Irish Republican Army members shot in Gibraltar; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe decision to delay the inquest was the coroner's alone, although it was known for some time before his announcement that he was considering this.
§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Prime Minister why the decision to delay the inquest on the three Irish Republican Army members shot in Gibraltar was announced from No. 10 Downing street in advance of any formal announcement by the coroner in Gibraltar; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterA decision by the coroner to postpone the inquest had been widely forecast in the press. My press office understood that it had already been announced, as indeed it was later that same day. The decision to delay the inquest was the coroner's alone.