Halt threat to Bloody Sunday inquiry

The inquiry is probing the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972

The Bloody Sunday Inquiry has been told that it may have to be stopped by parliament if it cannot conduct an effective investigation.

The inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting dead of 13 civilians during a civil rights march in January 1972 in Londonderry. A 14th person died later.

More than two days have been spent at the inquiry in the Guildhall in Londonderry discussing government claims that parts of documents about security service agents and offices should not be revealed.

Home Secretary Jack Straw and Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon have submitted public interest immunity certificates.

The certificates aim to restrict publication of material about two security service agents and their handlers.

But they have been fiercely resisted by lawyers acting for relatives of those who died.

Lord Saville: Chairing the inquiry

Inquiry chairman Lord Saville asked on Thursday morning what parliament would do if it felt that an effective investigation could not be carried out.

Counsel to the inquiry Christopher Clarke QC said if this was this case, parliament might have to "square the circle" and decide that the inquiry should stop.

He went on: "The result that would then have been reached is that unless the material was produced, there would be no effective official investigation.

"The only way in which the matter could be resolved, other than by production of the document would be if parliament were to determine that the inquiry should cease."

Proceedings have been adjourned until Monday morning.

The inquiry was established in 1998 and has so far cost in the region of £30m but has spent only four days hearing live witness testimony.