HL Deb 11 February 2002 vol 631 cc122-3WA
Lord Christopher

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received a report from the Sussex Police Authority concerning the fatal shooting of James Ashley in 1998. [HL2808]

Lord Rooker

My right honourable friend the Minister of State for the Home Department (Mr Denham) required the Sussex Police Authority to report under Section 43 of the Police Act 1996 on the events surrounding the shooting and the action taken by Sussex Police to ensure that they have responded appropriately. He has now received that report and is placing a copy in the Library. The report gives an account of the circumstances leading up to the shooting, the subsequent investigations. and the action which has been taken in Sussex to improve policing and to restore public confidence. Three officers are currently facing disciplinary proceedings in connection with the shooting. The Police Authority has informed my right honourable friend that it has not included any material which in its view could be prejudicial to the proceedings.