To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) inquiries and (b) disciplinary measures have been taken following the response of Merseyside Police to (i) the Police Complaints Authority in 1994 and (ii) freedom of information requests made by The Times newspaper on police notes from the crime scene in the case of Mr. Eddie Gilfoyle. (260695)

The PCA supervised two separate investigations carried out by Detective Superintendent Gooch of Lancashire police, and Detective Superintendent Mellor of Cheshire police, into complaints made by members of the Gilfoyle family. As a result of Detective Superintendent Gooch's report, two Merseyside officers faced discipline charges. Following a five-day panel hearing in May 1998, all charges were dismissed. No disciplinary action was taken as a result of Superintendent Mellor's report.

I understand that the Merseyside Police is currently conducting an internal review of their handling of the recent FOI request from The Times. This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.