§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many supergrass witnesses have been arrested for scheduled offences prior to their giving evidence; how many times they have been arrested; what offences they have been charged with; how many have been convicted; what was their sentence; and how many have been granted immunity.
§ Mr. ScottThe term "supergrass" has no precise meaning. It is to be expected that many of those who are in a position to give evidence to the courts against former accomplices in terrorist organisations will themselves have criminal records. Statistical information about them is not available in the form requested and could not be produced without disproportionate cost.