HC Deb 07 July 1998 vol 315 cc427-8W
Mr. Fallon

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will offer the assistance of Scotland Yard to the French police in their investigation the death of Mr. Roderick Henderson in Paris. [48864]

Mr. Michael

The investigation into the death of Roderick Henderson is a matter for the authorities in France, where he died. The police in England and Wales do not offer their services to investigating authorities overseas but will respond positively to requests for assistance; the French authorities have not requested the presence of a British police officer in France to assist with this investigation.

Mr. Henderson was attacked on the Champs Elysees in Paris by a gang of rollerbladers during the early hours of Sunday 27 October 1997. He was kicked in the head by a rollerblade and died on 28 October from his injuries. He was with his son-in-law at the time. His wife and daughter had returned to their hotel by taxi.

French police have confirmed that the case is being treated as a murder investigation. An Examining Magistrate, M. Deparis, has been placed in charge of the investigation. Consular officials do not have access to the Magistrate's confidential file on the investigation. However, Mrs. Henderson's lawyers do have access to this file.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, through consular staff in Paris, are in regular communication with the Examining Magistrate and the French Police regarding the investigation. Our Consul met the Examining Magistrate on 29 April to underline the importance that is attached to the case and our Deputy Head of Mission raised the matter with the French Diplomatic Adviser to M. Chevenement, the French Interior Minister.

The French authorities have confirmed that police officers are assigned full-time to the investigation. They appear to have made little progress and have few leads to follow.

The Coroner for North Kent has opened an inquest and, through the consulate, has requested copies of reports relating to Mr. Henderson's death. Kent Constabulary are in liaison with the family and are assisting the Coroner with his inquiries. The National Central Bureau of Interpol are liaising with the French Police as are the European Liaison Unit of Kent Constabulary.