HC Deb 19 June 1978 vol 952 cc14-5W
Mr. Frank Maguire

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will agree to a longer and more detailed investigation by Amnesty International or a similar impartial body which will be allowed to see prisoners on remand or convicted, a facility which was not afforded to the recent Amnesty mission.

Mr. Mason

As was announced on 8th June—[Vol. 951, c. 229–34]—in the Government response to the Amnesty International report, the Government, following a suggestion by the Chief Constable of the RUC, are setting up an independent committee of inquiry to consider present police practice and procedures in Northern Ireland relating to the interrogation of persons suspected of scheduled offences, and to consider the operation of the procedure for dealing with complaints. The conduct of the inquiry is a matter for the committee itself.