HL Deb 06 July 1982 vol 432 cc763-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether measures have been taken or are planned (a) to reduce the reliance on confessions by suspects (some of which would not be admissible at common law) brought before Diplock Courts, and (b) to encourage members of the public in Northern Ireland to give information and evidence of criminal acts.

The Earl of Gowrie

The Royal Ulster Constabulary make every effort to use all available sources of evidence in respect of criminal charges when submitting evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Section 8 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 defines the conditions under which a statement made by an accused may be given in evidence by the prosecution in any criminal proceedings for scheduled offences, but in both jury and non-jury courts in Northern Ireland it is for the court to rule on the admissibility of statements, including any statement by a police officer that an accused has admitted his guilt. The way in which such proceedings have operated will doubtless be examined by the independent review of the operation of the legislation which my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has announced.

Both the Government and the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary constantly seek to encourage members of the public to provide the police with whatever information they may have about crime. The Government also seek to create and maintain the conditions in which evidence can be given without fear of intimidation. Confidential telephone lines have been established to good effect, and the valuable work of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Community Relations Branch continues.