§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons police recommendations to charge a number of Republicans for obstructing an Orange Order annual church parade at Mountfield in County Tyrone were rejected by the Director of Public Prosecutions; how many recommendations had been made; and if she will make a statement. [37819]
The Attorney-GeneralI have been asked to reply.
On 7 October 1997 the Royal Ulster Constabulary submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (Northern Ireland) a police investigation file relating to 30 persons with a view to possible prosecution for offences arising out of events at Mountfield, County Tyrone on 22 June 1997. An interim direction issued to the Chief Constable on 16 October 1997 to arrange a consultation with the investigating officer and a number of police witnesses and for certain additional inquiries to be made. A second consultation was held on 18 December 1997 with investigating police and other senior officers. It was concluded that, in respect of the persons reported, the evidence was insufficient to afford a reasonable prospect of obtaining a conviction. Accordingly, a direction for no prosecution was issued to the Chief Constable on 22 December 1997.