HC Deb 26 November 1985 vol 87 c554W
17. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is ready to make a further statement regarding the treatment of the seven service men from Cyprus recently acquitted of offences under the Official Secrets Act.

Mr. Stanley

No. It would not be right to do so during the currency of Mr. Calcutt's inquiry.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Mr. David Calcutt QC will take evidence on oath at his inquiry announced by the Minister of State for the Armed Forces on 29 October.

Mr. Stanley

In answer to the hon. Member on 29 October I said that my understanding was that Mr. Calcutt would have power to take evidence on oath but not power to compel the taking of evidence on oath. However, having taken further advice, I now understand that because Mr. Calcutt's inquiry is non-statutory, it does not have the power to administer oaths and therefore to take evidence on that basis.