§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the relevance of the evidence of Mr. James T. Thurman to20W the investigation into the Lockerbie bombing; and if he will discuss that evidence with the relatives of the victims. [41577]
§ The Prime MinisterMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate gave his assurance in another place on 25 June 1997,Official Report, House of Lords, column 1572, that he was satisfied on the information available to him that there was no reason not to proceed with the petition warrants issued in respect of the two Libyan accused. On 6 October 1995, the then Lord Advocate wrote to my hon. Friend confirming that proof of the case against the two Libyan accused does not depend on evidence which Mr. Thurman might give. That remains the position. The evidence available to the prosecuting and investigation authorities cannot be discussed while criminal proceedings are pending for fear of prejudicing the prospects of a criminal trial.