Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of a public inquiry on the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings.

The 1974 attacks on the Mulberry Bush and Tavern In The Town were appalling events and acts of violence. I recognise the desire to see those responsible brought to justice.

There is an ongoing investigation by West Midlands Police into the bombings, and it would be inappropriate to make a decision on whether to establish an inquiry while this is proceeding.