§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Solicitor-General on what time scale she expects to reach conclusions in relation to the inquiry by Wiltshire Police into experiments at Porton Down, with special reference to(a) the file submitted to the Attorney-General in January 2001 concerning L.A.C. Ronald Maddison and (b) the police reports referring to experiments on the common cold. [47732]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralWiltshire police commenced this inquiry in 1999.
As regards a possible prosecution, files of evidence for consideration by the CPS have been sent in stages since September 2001. A large quantity of material has been submitted and is in the process of being reviewed.
Further papers are expected from the police within the next few weeks. When all the evidence has been received, the CPS will conclude the review process promptly. There are no specific police reports referring to experiments on the common cold. These assertions are contained in numerous statements throughout the many evidential files and are being fully considered in conjunction with the other evidence.
Separately, an application has been made by HM Coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon for authority to apply to the Hight Court for a fresh inquest into the death of Ronald Maddison at Porton Down. The application has been granted by the Attorney-General.