§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received concerning the holding of an inquiry into a controversial death at the same time as(a) the continuation of a police investigation, (b) the continuation of an inquiry by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman and (c) the continuation of a coroner's inquiry; and if he will place a copy of this advice in the Library. [156538]
§ Dr. ReidI have received a range of representations concerning the holding of inquiries in such a case. I am not legally precluded from establishing a public inquiry in advance of the conclusion of any criminal investigation. However, I believe that to do so would carry the significant risk of prejudicing the outcome of any investigation.