HC Deb 08 February 1994 vol 237 cc134-5W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Kaufman) of 25 January,Official Report, column 152, if he will now make it his policy to give substantive answers to parliamentary questions on his testimony given at the Scott inquiry on 17 January.

The Prime Minister

No. While Lord Justice Scott's inquiry continues, it would be inappropriate to comment substantively on any of the evidence which has so far been taken.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Prime Minister what powers Lord Justice Scott has to compel the attendance as witnesses before his inquiry of people who are neither civil servants nor ministers.

The Prime Minister

Lord Justice Scott does not have powers to compel people to appear before his inquiry. I have made it clear that if he feels a change in his powers or terms of reference is needed, the Government will be ready to consider that.