I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 150 and 152 together.
The Government welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, on 29 January 1998 of the establishment of a new, independent, judicial tribunal of inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday. The tribunal is beginning its public oral hearings in the Guildhall in Derry on 27 March next. This will be an important step forward in the task of fully and finally establishing the truth about that tragic day.
The Government understands that, of the 29 rifles fired by troops on Bloody Sunday, 16 have been destroyed in total and 10 have been sold through private companies. A police investigation has begun into the destruction of the weapons.
The Government has conveyed to the British authorities its deep concern about these developments. It has been informed that efforts are being made to locate the ten rifles that were sold off. It has also sought an assurance that the remaining three rifles in the possession of the British Ministry of Defence have been secured. The Government will continue to monitor developments closely in this regard.