asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 19 June (WA 197), whether the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland will review its policy of destroying prosecution files after two years, 10 years or 20 years; whether they will ensure such files are assessed by independent professional archivists for their preservation value; and whether there is an index available to the public detailing historic prosecution case files retained by the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland. [HL4560]

The current policy of file destruction operated by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) was agreed with the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and is in accordance with its guidance. The PPS has scheduled a review of its current policy with PRONI for summer 2008.

The retention of files of historical interest is governed by the Public Records Act 1958 and individual files are reviewed by PRONI professional staff before being accepted as public records. All files are reviewed prior to destruction in accordance with the provisions of the Act and with PRONI guidance.

There is currently no index available to the public detailing prosecution files of historic value currently in the possession of the PPS. This is a matter that will be reviewed by the PPS and PRONI as part of the forthcoming review.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 19 June (WA 196), how many difficult, complex or sensitive cases were referred to the Attorney-General by the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland in the past three years; and what areas they covered. [HL4561]

No figures are kept on the number of cases that are brought to the attention of this office by the Public Prosecution Service.

As was explained in my Answer of 19 June, I superintend the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland and am answerable to Parliament for his actions and, through him, the Public Prosecution Service.

In the course of my superintendence of his office, cases would be brought to my attention for my information, for the issue of my consent to prosecution, or for discussion; for example, as to whether the public interest requires prosecution. The director also draws to my attention cases to consider with a view to seeking leave to refer a sentence as unduly lenient to the Court of Appeal for reconsideration. The subject matter of the cases is varied and reflects the broad range of cases the PPS prosecutes.