One of the paratroopers who admitted firing live rounds on Bloody Sunday has not been interviewed for the inquiry because he is in prison in a foreign country; three more are dead, and another soldier who gave evidence to the original Widgery inquiry has not replied to letters.
In a progress report from Mr Christopher Clarke, counsel to the tribunal, the inquiry was told that 16 soldiers who admitted firing shots have now signed statements, and five other statements are awaiting completion and signature.
However, Soldier L is in prison abroad, Soldier Y has not so far replied to the inquiry's letters, and Soldier AC is unwell, Mr Clarke said. The inquiry was told by Mr Edwin Glasgow, representing soldiers and former soldiers, that there was a delay over the statement of the commanding officer of the 1st Parachute Regiment, Col Derek Wilford, because he is overseas.
Mr Glasgow said Col Wilford, who lives in Europe, is on a trip to Africa. He had been interviewed by the tribunal's solicitors on March 13th and 14th, but the completion of work on his statement had been held up because he had two overseas trips fixed. Counsel said he was instructed that it would be possible to get Col Wilford's statement back by June 20th.
Mr Glasgow remarked that "of the 450 clients whom we represent, every single one has voluntarily co-operated with this tribunal and has either attended an interview or asked or proffered a statement."
In other evidence, the tribunal heard that the bullet that killed 17-year-old Michael Kelly was recovered and identified as having come from a particular soldier's rifle, but that soldier now says he does not recall firing the shot. Mr Clarke said there was an important discrepancy between statements made by Lance Corporal F to the military police and to the Widgery inquiry.
Mr Clarke pointed out that the bullet that killed Michael Kelly at the barricade was traced to F's rifle, and on his own evidence the shot he described must have been the shot that killed Michael Kelly.
Counsel said of F: "It appears from that statement that he can now remember virtually nothing of the events of 30th January 1972."
The inquiry was adjourned until today.