HC Deb 15 March 1991 vol 187 cc709-10W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of homicide remain unsolved in the period 1970 to the latest date for which figures are recorded; how many of these remain open; and what guidance his officials give to police forces on the advisability of continuing with investigations of unsolved homicides.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 14 March 1991]: Twenty-four cases initially classified as homicide remain unsolved from the period 1978 to 1989. Comparable figures for years before 1978 are not available. The initial classification of homicide may subsequently be altered, for example as a result of decisions on charges taken in the course of judicial proceedings or if death proves to have been the result of an accident.

The investigation of any crime is an operational matter for the chief constable, in consultation with the procurator fiscal, who has the right to direct the police in this regard. Unsolved homicides always remain open and the police are always ready to investigate further any case which has not been cleared up.