§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there will be an internal military inquiry into the killing of John Boyle by members of the Army; and, if so, whether the evidence and findings will he made available to the Roy al Ulster Constabulary inquiry.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe investigation is being conducted by the RUC, which may call on evidence from elements of the SF as required. The Army compiles a report after every shooting incident involving soldiers in Northern Ireland and these are available to the RUC.
§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will suspend from duty those members of the security forces responsible for the death of John Boyle, pending the outcome of the Royal Ulster Constabulary inquiry.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownNo. Soldiers are not normally taken off duty unless and until it is established that there is a case to answer.
§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the members of the security forces responsible for the death of John Boyle are still on duty in Northern Ireland.
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§ Mr. Robert C. BrownYes.
§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the instructions on the yellow card carried by the Army in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownSoldiers in Northern Ireland are required to operate within the law at all times. The law requires them to use no more force than is reasonable in the circumstances, but does not define what constitutes reasonable force. The yellow card is designed to provide soldiers with a guide to the circumstances in which it is reasonable to open fire. I am satisfied that the instructions, which are based on legal advice, are suitable for their purpose.