HC Deb 25 October 1989 vol 158 c449W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will authorise the payment of interim compensation to the four persons whose convictions for the Guildford and Woolwich pub bombings were recently quashed.

Mr. Hurd

It is my normal practice to make interim compensation payments where these are requested. The amount will be decided by the independent assessor.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider appointing lay assessors to Sir John May's inquiry into the Guildford and Woolwich bombings convictions; and if the evidence to the inquiry will be published.

Mr. Hurd

I would be prepared to consider the appointment of lay assessors if Sir John May feels this is necessary for the conduct of his inquiry.

Anybody giving evidence to the inquiry may, if they wish, publish it, and there will be hearings in public. The question of publishing evidence not given in public will be considered when the inquiry is complete.