Hutton explains late submissions
Lord Hutton this afternoon defused concerns about the late submissions made to his inquiry into the death of Dr David Kelly by the Government, insisting that other parties to the proceedings had done the same.
Noting that, in the closing stages of the inquiry’s hearings further written submissions had been invited, Lord Hutton’s statement declared, “The BBC, Mr Andrew Gilligan, the Kelly family, as well as the government, availed themselves of the opportunity to submit further written submissions.”
It added, “the further written submissions of each party were sent to all the other parties.”
In respect of the refusal of the Government to publish its written submission – the subject of intense questioning of the Prime Minister by Conservative leader Michael Howard this afternoon – the statement declared the following:
“The parties who had made oral submissions replied stating that they were opposed to the publication of the written submissions pending the publication of the report and, in slightly different terms, they all made the point that publication would encourage a trial of various individuals (against whom no criticism might be made in the report) by the media and that this would be unfair.”
Quoting from a letter sent by the inquiry’s solicitor to the parties to the proceedings, Lord Hutton’s statement related that he had agreed with this position.
“Having reviewed your letter, and those received from the other parties on this issue, Lord Hutton has decided that these documents should not be made available to the public at this stage.”
Lord Hutton’s report had been expected to be published next week, but the precise date remains unconfirmed.
Lord Hutton himself retires as a Law Lord this Sunday.
