§ Mr. Cyril D. TownsendTo ask the Attorney-General how many second world war war crimes are still under investigation; for how long each of the cases has been under investigation; and when a decision on each case as to possible prosecution is due to be taken.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere are 20 second world war war crimes currently under investigation by the Metropolitan police. Fourteen of these allegations were received from the Home Office on 28 May 1991 on the formation of the Metropolitan police war crimes unit. One allegation was received on 3 June 1992. Three allegations were received on 11 March 1993, 9 August 1993 and 8 December 1993. Two allegations were received on 21 January 1994 and 25 March 1994. Decisions as to possible prosecution will be taken once all relevant evidence has been fully considered and analysed. I refer my hon. Friend to the answers that I gave in the House to the hon. Member for Coventry, South-East (Mr. Cunningham) and my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesham (Mr. Arnold) on 24 April 1995Official Report, columns 517–18, concerning those allegations in the seven cases which have been the subject of initial advice from senior Treasury counsel.