HC Deb 19 December 1984 vol 70 c157W
Miss Maynard

asked the Attorney-General if he will make it his policy to require, in cases of major public concern involving the security forces in Northern Ireland, that when a case is considered by the Director of Public Prosecutions and a decision is made not to bring a prosecution, the Director of Public Prosecutions should state the reasons for his decision.

The Attorney-General

No. When a decision is reached not to bring a prosecution against an individual it is a long-established and well-founded practice in Northern Ireland, as in England and Wales, not to give detailed reasons. Cases involving members of the security forces cannot be treated differently from other cases.