§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect the first prosecution under the War Crimes Act: how many cases of alleged war crimes are still under investigation or being prepared for proceedings: and what are the ages of the oldest and youngest suspects.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)The special unit established by the Metropolitan Police is investigating all the allegations made to the Hetherington/Chalmers Inquiry together with others made subsequently to the police. Ninety-nine allegations involving persons said to range from 63 to 85 years of age are at different stages of inquiry. Verification of identities and personal details will be important aspects of each investigation especially where the apparent age at the material time is young. The Crown Prosecution Service will consider each case at the conclusion of the relevant police investigation. I cannot predict whether any prosecu-tions will be instituted.