§ 20. Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends to announce a public inquiry into the Lockerbie air disaster and related events; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ParkinsonMy right hon., noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has stated that there can be no question of an inquiry in public while the police investigation continues, as a public inquiry would interfere with that investigation and perhaps prejudice its outcome. I explained this to the representatives of the victims' families when I met them in September, and I believe they understood the position.