asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 2 July (WA 42) concerning the murders of Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment members, how they can consider that work is complete in 15 cases when there have been no convictions. [HL4683]

The Historical Enquiries Team (HET) has two main objectives: first, to seek any new or remaining evidential opportunities; and, secondly, to answer the personal questions which families bring about the death of their loved one.

The HET has completed its objectives in the 15 cases referred to by the noble Lord on 2 July.

There are no further potential lines of inquiry at this time. However, HET recognises that there is always a possibility of future unexpected investigative avenues opening. These could be in the form of confessions or other new information coming to light.

In anticipation of this potential, all material gathered in this review has been consolidated and filed in purpose-built storage facilities, where it will be kept indefinitely.

No unsolved murder case is ever closed.