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The statement below was issued by the Scottish Trades Union Congress
STUC news release, 29 May 2008
ICL/STOCKLINE FAMILIES DISMAY AT MEANS TESTING FOR INQUIRY
The families of those killed in the ICL/Stockline disaster have voiced concerns over plans to impose means testing on those wishing to have legal representation during the forthcoming Public Inquiry.
Speaking on behalf of the families Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary said:
“ The families are totally dismayed at the decision to apply means testing to assess if they will have access to legal representation at the public expense.
“They are also extremely angry at the failure of Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill to deliver his commitment to the families, made at a meeting on the 14 May to contact the Westminster Government to resolve the situation.
“The original Ministerial Declaration issued on 21 February is ambiguous and does not reflect the discussion that took place with Minister in both Parliaments throughout the campaign for the Inquiry.”
The families are demanding the Scottish Government act quickly to rectify this situation and provide an explanation as to why no such representation has been made in the fortnight since we met the Cabinet Secretary”.
Ends
For Further Information Contact
Ian Tasker 07974 966227
Notes to Editors
The Ministerial Declaration can be found on the ICL Inquiry Website [pdf]