Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat). It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Thursday, 12 March 2009.

Binyam Mohamed

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the terms of reference of the investigation instituted by the Home Secretary on 28 October 2008 into the alleged torture of Binyam Mohamed; and what subsequent action the Attorney-General has taken. My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Thomas, and at his request, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in his name on the Order Paper.

Answer: My Lords, the Home Secretary referred the question of possible criminal wrongdoing to me on 23 October last year in my capacity as an independent Minister of Justice. The Home Secretary did not seek to set terms of reference but provided me with relevant material from the court proceedings. After undertaking a preliminary review of the material referred to me, I took the view that I should seek the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions. All the material provided to me was then made available to him. At this stage, no decision has been reached and it would be premature to speculate as to the outcome. Nor is it possible to give a precise timescale. I intend to report to Parliament on my assessment. We will continue to do everything that we properly can to bring this matter to an expeditious conclusion.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 708 c1265-6
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Lead
Procedure: Topical questions (HL)
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Notes: Question asked on behalf of Lord Thomas of Gresford
Subjects: Criminal investigation Detainees Attorney General Terrorism Torture USA Guantanamo Bay Mohamed, Binyam
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk