§ Mr. Temple-MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are being investigated under the War Crimes Act 1991; what is the cost of these investigations to date; what prosecutions have been brought; how many prosecutions are likely to be brought; and if he will consider abandoning these investigations and/or prosecutions in whole or in part.
§ Mr. Charles WardleForty-four cases are currently under investigation by the Metropolitan police war crimes unit. The cost of investigations to date is estimated at £3.8 million. No prosecutions have yet been brought under the Act, and I cannot anticipate when, or if, sufficient evidence will be available for any prosecutions to be brought. However, the police and prosecution authorities cannot ignore evidence of war crimes which has been and may be uncovered.