§ 9. Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in reviewing the cases in which Dr. Clift gave forensic evidence; and when a statement can be expected.
§ Mr. BrittanThe review is nearing completion and hope to be able to announce my conclusions soon.
§ Mr. AshleyIs the Home Secretaray aware that I especially welcome his reply, because Dr. Clift's forensic evidence has helped to convict one of my constituents of murder? That evidence has now been discredited. Other people who have been convicted because of Dr. Clift's evidence now have the right to have their cases reviewed, but, as there is a long delay in that process, can the right hon. and learned Gentleman assure the House that every case in which Dr. Clift gave evidence will be reviewed by the committee?
§ Mr. BrittanThe committee has to cover more than 1,500 cases in which Dr. Clift was involved since 1967. Obviously, special attention has been given to the 123 contested cases in which he gave evidence. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that it is a serious review and, therefore, must necessarily take time.