PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has called for a review of the role of the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith in the prosecution of soldiers.

It comes after the collapse of the court martial of seven paratroopers accused of murdering an Iraqi civilian two years ago.

And that follows the acquittal of Trooper Kevin Williams from Nelson earlier this year.

Trooper Williams was prosecuted in civilian courts on the authority of the Attorney General after being cleared of the killing of an Iraqi by his commanding officer.

And when Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram made a Commons statement on the end of proceedings against the seven paratroopers yesterday, the Pendle Labour backbencher called for the government to look at the role played by the Attorney General.

Shadow Defence Secretary Michael Ancram raised concern about "the serious damage to morale arising from doubtless well intentioned but unsubstantiated prosecutions".

Mr Prentice then told Mr Ingram: "I asked the Attorney General on March 2 about those matters and I was told that the role of the military prosecuting authorities is subject to the superintendent of the Attorney General. I was further told the Attorney General would not reassess his role.

"In the light of the judgment (against the paratroopers) and what has emerged, may I take it that you will press the Attorney General to review your role?"

Mr Ingram said: "I do not think you have made a case for that. The collapse of a trial or the fact that it does not proceed to conviction does not mean that the Attorney General's supervised role is wrong."

After the exchange at Westminster yesterday, Mr Prentice said: "I was not happy with Mr Ingram's reply."