WHILE Peter Robinson was content with a limited judge-led review, it seems a Westminster committee may shed much more light on the issue of the On The Runs.
Certainly, the testimony of former detective chief superintendent Norman Baxter on Wednesday put forward fresh information and raised serious questions over British government interference in policing matters.
According to the retired senior officer, the NiO put pressure on the PSNI to create circumstances where OTRs could return to the UK. He also made a dramatic claim about the arrests in 2007 of Vincent McAnespie and Gerry McGeough who were questioned about the attempted murder of UDR soldier Sammy Brush in 1981.
Mr Baxter alleged that following a call from Gerry Adams, Downing Street phoned the chief constable's office seeking the release of the two suspects. This message was conveyed to Mr Baxter who took the view that the Downing Street request was an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
Following this disclosure, the Sinn Fein president denied asking the British government to intervene with the PSNI. For his part, then chief constable Sir Hugh Orde said no phone call was made from Downing Street asking him to release prisoners.
This is an issue which needs urgent clarification by Downing Street and the PSNI, and records should be made available to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.
What is apparent is that Mr Baxter's perception of the OTR scheme differs markedly from that of the government. It is also clear he feels the PSNI has been blamed unfairly for the collapse of the John Downey case.
The retired officer expressed anger at secretary of state Theresa Villiers's statement on the matter but it was his withering assessment of Matt Baggott's apology which will raise eyebrows.
The chief constable is standing by his decision but he will know that his judgment is now in the spotlight.