The most eloquent tribute to the fairness and thoroughness of the police investigation came from the Secretary of the Football Supporters' Association. He said there had been initial anxiety in Liverpool as to whether that investigation would be fair and objective. His Association therefore collected 200 witness statements themselves. Having heard the opening statement by Counsel to the Inquiry based upon the evidence gathered by the police, he found that it accorded entirely with his Association's evidence and the initial anxiety was wholly dispelled.
17.Before and during the Inquiry I derived great assistance on a wide range of technical issues from the Health and Safety Executive who providentially have a laboratory in Sheffield (the Research and Laboratory Services Division) where tests were conducted and reports prepared swiftly and efficiently. This was done in close consultation with Professor Maunder. I am most grateful to the Director, Dr A Jones, and to the Deputy Director, Dr C E Nicholson, for their invaluable help.
18.I wish to commend Counsel to the inquiry, Mr Andrew Collins QC, Mr Alan Goldsack and Mr Bernard Phillips for their industry, care and fairness in selecting and presenting the necessary evidence; also, Counsel for all those represented who tested that evidence fully but expeditiously. This Interim Report could not possibly have been prepared in so short a time had I not had the whole-hearted co-operation of all those mentioned and many others.
19.The second phase of the Inquiry will be directed to making final and long term recommendations about crowd control and safety at sports grounds. I need to consider in depth information, opinions and arguments from a wide range of sources and contributors both here and abroad. It was clear from the outset that this second phase could not be carried to completion before the next football season. However, at an early stage of the oral hearing I invited evidence from all who wished to contribute to it and specifically from many sporting, local authority, emergency service and police bodies as well as technical consultants. I asked that submissions should be in writing and should be made promptly so that the second phase of the Inquiry could follow immediately after the first. I shall now proceed to consider the large body of written evidence which has been submitted. I shall want in some instances to have further oral evidence or discussion in conjunction with my Assessors. We will also need to make a number of visits and inspections.
20.I now present my Interim Report and Recommendations. I shall prepare my Final Report and Recommendations as soon as reasonably possible.
