Patten may see Stalker Report

THE FORMER Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten indicated last night that he has been given clearance to examine highly sensitive documents concerning the RUC, including the unpublished Stalker Report into the so-called "shoot to kill" incidents in which six people were killed by police in the early 1980s.

Mr Patten is heading an independent commission, which is carrying out a far-reaching review into policing in Northern Ireland, due to be delivered next summer. If Mr Patten is allowed to read the Stalker Report, it will be seen as an indication that his review will be highly detailed and comprehensive and will be watched to see if it sheds new light on the affair.

The report, which is possibly the most controversial document on security issues to emerge in the three decades of the Troubles, was drawn up by John Stalker, former Deputy Chief Constable of Manchester Police, who carried out an investigation into the six killings.

Mr Stalker was removed from the inquiry in disputed circumstances amid suggestions that his investigation had been blocked by the RUC and MI5.

Speaking on Channel 4 News last night, Mr Patten said: "We'll see all the documents we want to see and need to see, and that includes some of the ones that have been very controversial." Questioned about whether he would see the Stalker Report and a report by John Stevens, then Chief Constable of Northumbria, he added: "If we didn't wish to see those we'd be accused of not doing our job properly."

The raising of the issue creates a problem for the inquiry because if it transpires that Mr Patten is not allowed to see the crucial documents, it will undermine one of the key parts of the peace process in the eyes of the nationalist community.

As well as taking submissions from political parties, the churches, business, community and trade union groups, Mr Patten has embarked on a punishing round of public meetings.

"It's an understatement to say it's more exhausting, demanding and emotional than almost anything I've ever done in politics," he said.