§ Mr. Canavanasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consult the Hong Kong Government about the need for an independent element in the commission of inquiry into the death of Inspector John MacLennan; and whether the Government will help with the cost of legal assistance and independent experts such as forensic scientists who may be employed by parties who want to give evidence to the commission.
§ Mr. HurdAn independent element already exists. The appointed commissioner is a judge of the Supreme Court of Hong Kong. The counsel for the commission is a Treasury counsel from London. Provided that the commission is of the opinion that the evidence in question consists of material which the commission should consider, the Hong Kong Government will be prepared to help with costs.