Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is on the potential merits of a public inquiry on the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings.

The attacks on the Mulberry Bush and Tavern In The Town public houses on 21 November 1974 were horrific events. I recognise the desire to see those responsible brought to justice.

There is an ongoing criminal investigation by West Midlands Police into the bombings. It would be inappropriate to make a decision on whether to establish a public inquiry into the circumstances of the bombings before the investigation has concluded.