§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to continue to seek to bring to justice those responsible for crimes committed outside the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom in support of the political programme on the Nazi Party before June 1945. [HL1593]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe Metropolitan Police War Crimes Unit will continue to consider evidence relating to possible offences falling under the War Crimes Act 1991. The cases of 376 people have already 59WA been considered by the War Crimes Unit. Of those investigated, 118 are dead, and 255 cases have been investigated and the evidence considered to be insufficient for charges to be brought. In these cases, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service have agreed that no further action should be taken, although, should fresh evidence emerge, cases could be re-opened. The Attorney-General entered a nolle prosequi (permanent stay on the prosecution) in one case due to the defendant's failing mental health. This was neither a conviction, discharge nor acquittal. The defendant has since died. One case is still under active investigation and in a second case committal proceedings, under the War Crimes Act 1991, are currently in progress against an individual who has been charged with five counts of murder.