§ Mr. Terry FieldsTo ask the Attorney-General what progress has been made by the Director of Public Prosecutions in the case of Paul Malone and Thomas Ryder; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralBetween November 1988 and May 1989 the West Yorkshire police forwarded six reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions concerning their investigations into allegations by a number of persons, including Paul Malone and Thomas Ryder, of criminal misconduct by officers of the Merseyside police. The director has briefed counsel to advise and has so far received his advice upon five of the reports. The sixth advice from counsel is awaited. The evidence and advices received so far are being considered by the director's office and a decision on whether any criminal proceedings should be instituted as a result of the investigations will be taken in due course.