§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider including in the inquiry into the Lockerbie disaster the question of the delay between the identification of the body of a victim and the passing of this information on to the next of kin.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe purpose of the investigation being carried out by my air accidents investigation branch is to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident. The question raised by the hon. Member falls outside the scope of this investigation.
I understand from my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that he has been assured by the chief constable of Dumfries and Galloway that, when a body was reliably identified, every effort was made to notify the next of kin, whether in this country or abroad, as soon as possible. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind and will notifiy my right hon. and learned Friend, he will gladly make further inquiries.