§ 96. Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance is being given to Lord Widgery in relation to staff in connection with his inquiry; and what protection is being given to legal representatives of witnesses at Lord Widgery's court of inquiry.
§ Mr. SharplesThe tribunal has been provided with the necessary secretariat. The security of witnesses and their representatives is a matter for the tribunal and the security authorities in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what facilities 275W and costs are being given to those travelling to testify before Lord Widgery's court of inquiry.
§ Mr. SharplesLord Widgery announced at the preliminary hearing of the tribunal on 14th February that arrangements had been made under which the expenses incurred by witnesses in attending to give evidence, including their lost earnings, would be refunded; that, where the tribunal authorised legal representation of private individuals, their reasonable legal costs would be paid subject to any recommendation from the tribunal; and that arrangements would be made when necessary to provide transport for witnesses to travel to and from the tribunal in order to give evidence if the journey could not reasonably be made by public transport.
§ Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long it is anticipated the court of inquiry headed by Lord Widgery will take to hear evidence and publish its findings.
§ Mr. SharplesI am sure that Lord Widgery will wish to complete the proceedings and present his report as soon as possible, but it is too early to say when this is likely to be.