HC Deb 24 April 1989 vol 151 cc404-5W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what level the publication of statements on 18 April by South Yorkshire police concerning the conduct of Liverpool fans at the Hillsborough semi-cup final was authorised; if he will publish a copy of that statement and the name of the officer who made it; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Statements made by officers of the South Yorkshire police are a matter for the chief constable. It would not be helpful for me to publish statements or counter-statements which have been made about the circumstances leading to the tragedy, or to name those who made them. It is for Lord Justice Taylor's inquiry to establish the facts.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements will be made for every person involved in or affected by the Hillsborough tragedy who wishes to complain about police strategies, tactics, behaviour or practice at or appertaining to that event to be heard at Lord Justice Taylor's inquiry; if he will take steps to ensure that any such complainant will be able to make their complaint formally and officially; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

It is for the inquiry to determine the arrangements for hearing evidence which it considers will help establish the causes of the tragedy.

Statutory provision exists under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 for complaints by members of the public against the police to be dealt with thoroughly.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek a report from the chief constable of the West Midlands force on whether any representations from the public appertaining to police activity and strategy at the Hillsborough tragedy will be admissible to the police inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hurd

Anyone who has information which he believes could help the inquiry should make this available to the chief constable of the West Midlands police without delay.

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