HC Deb 13 March 1952 vol 497 cc1567-8
43. Mr. S. Silverman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has reconsidered, in the light of the further representations made to him, the case of Walter Graham Roland; and whether he will order an inquiry to see whether this is not a grave miscarriage of justice.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I have been very carefully into this case. I am satisfied that there was no miscarriage of justice and that there is no need for further inquiry.

Mr. Silverman

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that in spite of his opinion—to which all who know him pay considerable respect—there is a large body of opinion which is not without experience in this matter and which considers that this is an established case of the execution of a perfectly innocent man? Does he not appreciate that while experienced opinion holds that view, it is in the interests of everybody concerned in this case to have a proper inquiry, to examine whether or not there is anything in it?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Although I entirely appreciate the interest and attention which the hon. Member has given to this case, it is my responsibility to decide the point. I have given the gravest consideration I can to it, and I have arrived at the conclusion about which I have told the House.