HC Deb 05 March 1999 vol 326 cc915-6W
Sir Norman Fowler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to protect witnesses mistakenly identified in the volume of appendices to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report which has now been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement. [75001]

Mr. Straw

Witness protection in London is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police. The Metropolitan Police assessed urgently the risks posed to the safety of individuals as a result of the publication of an unredacted version of Appendix 11 in the Stephen Lawrence report. The Metropolitan Police have put in place appropriate protection measures for those concerned. There has been a Home Office liaison officer on duty 24 hours a day since 26 February working with the police in Eltham to ensure that all individuals affected receive the protection that they need.

Sir Norman Fowler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if police assistance will be available to the leak inquiry ordered by his Permanent Secretary into the unauthorised publication of extracts from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report; and if he will make a statement. [75000]

Mr. Straw

It is for the independent investigator to determine what assistance may be required.

Sir Norman Fowler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of withdrawing and reissuing the volume of appendices of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report; and if he will make a statement. [74999]

Mr. Straw

The figures requested are not yet available. I will write to the right hon. Member in due course.