§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give instructions that, in connection with the appeals in the cases of ex-Constable Rolls, of the Metropolitan Constabulary, and George Edalji, all the documents in the possession of the prosecution and the reports presented to the Home Secretary which have induced him to reject petitions for their release may be inspected by the representatives of Rolls and Edalji, respectively, so as to enable them to give such further information and explanation to the Home Secretary as may be deemed vital to a further consideration of these cases.
§ *MR. AKERS-DOUGLASThe reply is in the negative. In the cases referred to I have given the fullest consideration to any and every representation on behalf of the prisoners which has been submitted to me by their friends or otherwise, and I have taken every available means to obtain information before arriving at a decision. It would be inconsistent with my duty as the adviser of the Crown in the exercise of the prerogative of mercy to allow prisoners or their friends to have access to documents in my possession which are always of a confidential nature. I am always ready to consider any further representations which may be made to me on behalf of a prisoner.