§ 13. Mr. Archerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Mr. Colin Sampson has yet 952W completed his inquiry into matters connected with the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom KingI understand that the first part of Mr. Sampson's report was submitted to the Chief Constable of the RUC yesterday. The Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland also received a copy. I understand that this part of the report covers the incident on 24 November 1982 in which Mr. Michael Tighe was shot dead. I also understand that Mr. Sampson hopes to submit as soon as possible a second part which will address the associated issues connected with all the cases under investigation. As is the usual practice with police reports covering criminal investigations, it will not be published. On the basis of Mr. Sampson's report, along with any comments from the Chief Constable, the Department of Public Prosecutions (Northern Ireland) will decide, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General, what directions to give as to criminal proceedings.
An additional section of Mr. Sampson's report will deal with matters concerning the management of the RUC. I propose to make a statement to the House on these aspects at the earliest opportunity. It will, however, be understood that I have no role in the conduct of criminal proceedings, nor would it be appropriate for any comments to be made upon the individual investigations involved until all such proceedings are completed.
§ 15. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has as to whether the inquiry by Mr. Colin Sampson into allegations against the Royal Ulster Constabulary has yet been completed.
§ 16. Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the final version of the report into the Royal Ulster Constabulary being conducted by the chief constable of West Yorkshire to be available.
§ Mr. Tom KingI understand that the first volume of Mr. Sampson's report was submitted to the Chief Constable of the RUC yesterday. The Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland also received a copy.