Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 October 2004. It was answered by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Monday, 11 October 2004 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, what the role of the Attorney General is in relation to armed forces investigations and possible prosecutions in respect of allegations of criminal mistreatment of Iraqis or of theft of Iraqi property; and if she will make a statement. - Including ref to 14 June 2004, 662 c22-4WS.

Answer: Harry Cohen: To ask the Solicitor-General what the key role of the Attorney-General is in relation to armed forces investigations and possible prosecutions in respect of allegations of criminal mistreatment of Iraqis or of theft of Iraqi property; and if she will make a statement. [179796] The Solicitor-General: The armed forces prosecuting authorities act independently of the military chain of command. They are subject to the general superintendence of the Attorney General. The current position in relation to the system for investigating and prosecuting soldiers currently serving in Iraq and which involve Iraqi civilians was set out in the written statement by the Attorney General, Official Report, House of Lords, 14 June 2004, c. WS 22-24. The Attorney plays no role in relation to armed forces investigations. These are undertaken by the Royal Military Police or other service police authority for which the Secretary of State for Defence is responsible.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 179796; 425 c9W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Abuse Criminal investigation Iraq Prosecutions Peacekeeping operations Theft
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk