BELFAST INCIDENT, 13TH JANUARY

HL Deb 20 February 1990 vol 516 cc267-8WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking following the killing of Peter Thompson, Eddie Hale and John McNeill in the Falls Road, Belfast, on 13th January—

1. (a) to prevent similar incidents;
2. (b) to discover exactly how the deaths occurred and who was responsible for them; and
3. (c) to bring such legal proceedings as may be necessary to uphold the rule of law.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Skelmersdale)

As my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland explained in another place on 15th January, the RUC is conducting a full and thorough investigation into the incident. When the police complete their work, it will be for the Director of Public Prosecutions, acting independently, to decide whether there are matters which should be brought before the courts. I have every confidence that the RUC will complete their inquiries thoroughly, and in the meantime it is important to avoid comment or speculation that could prejudice the completion of their important work.