Empey urges Government not to open a "Pandoras box" re open-ended and expensive Inquiries

Speaking during question time in the House of Lords today, UUP Peer Lord Empey sought and received an assurance from the Government that there would no more open ended and expensive inquiries into cases during the 'Troubles.'

Lord Alf Dubs, (Labour), former NIO Minister, asked if there would be damage to Anglo-Irish relations and the Finucane family if an enquiry was not granted.

Responding for the Government, Lord Shutt said that the work of Mr DaSilva, which is now five months into a busy schedule, should be allowed to do its work and he looked forward to the Report being available by the end of the year.

Lord Empey asked for an assurance about further inquiries, and said that the Finucane family had told him that they had no intention of accepting an inquiry under the 2005 legislation. He also said that if the Government was not prepared to stand over its policy, then he wanted inquiries into the La Mon House Hotel bombing, Kingsmills and Omagh to name but a few incidents.

I am pleased that the Government has stuck to its policy. Lets hope it stays like that. Despite a terrible murder, the Fincane family cannot get special treatment just because thay have a big lobby behind them. There are thousands of 'silent victims' out there who suffer quietly and have no groups representing them. HMG must not open Pandora's Box."