§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence(a) what representations he has received following publication of a group photograph of the Royal Irish Regiment in The Andersonstown News on 15 January, (b) where and on what date the photograph was taken, (c) how many soldiers and officers of each rank from battalions participated in the photograph, (d) what rank of soldier took the photograph, (e) what rank of officer supervised the photoshoot, (f) by what means the banner displayed in the photograph was obtained, (g) what transport arrangements were made to bring the banner into military barracks, (h) what was the purpose of the photograph, (i) where the film was developed and how many prints were (i) made, (ii) distributed and (iii) sold, (j) what disciplinary action has been taken consequent to the incident, (k) what assessment he has made of the impact of the incident on community relations and (l) what statement the Ministry has made to the press on the issue; and if he will make a statement. [106410]
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§ Mr. SpellarThe circumstances surrounding the publication of a photograph of the Royal Irish Regiment in theAndersonstown News on 15 January 2000 are currently under investigation by the Special Investigations Branch, Royal Military Police. I will write to my hon. Friend when the investigation is complete and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.