Those carrying out an inquiry should have the power to compel people to appear before them to ensure the inquiry functions effectively and efficiently. Any of us who has worked in the public service - I did for 14 years - will be well aware of the mountain of documentation that can accumulate overseveral years on minor matters. The manner in which paperwork accumulates is always extraordinary. However, the information required to carry out a meaningful and complete inquiry may not often be found within the dusty pages of thousands of files and much could be learned from an interview process. For example, if during an inquiry, the review group reaches a dead end during its examination of files and it is obvious to those carrying out the inquiry that the only method of continuing this trail of investigation is to interview staff members, it should have the power to do so. Without that power, the inquiry has to be rendered weak and ineffective.