§ Lord Spensasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many public interest certificates were issued by the Home Office in each of the past 10 years; and how many were issued in connection with criminal proceedings.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)No central record is kept of public interest immunity certificates which were issued before 9 April 1992. Since that date, four certificates were signed during the remainder of 1992, of which two certificates were in connection with criminal proceedings.
Six certificates were signed during 1993, of which four were in connection with criminal proceedings.
One certificate has been signed during 1994 and is in connection with criminal proceedings.