§ 4. Mr. Dudley Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will recommend the grant of a free pardon to Mr. A. E. G. Anderson 528 of Exeter, who has been disqualified from driving for 12 months, in view of details of which case have been sent to him.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeNo, Sir. As my hon. Friend is aware from our correspondence about this case, I have considered the circumstances very carefully but I have found no grounds on which I should be justified in recommending the grant of a free pardon.
§ Mr. WilliamsDoes my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that this man was disqualified for 12 months because it was held that in fact the vehicle concerned was not insured, whereas an official of the insurance company said that it would have been held covered in the circumstances? In view of that, does not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that Mr. Anderson has been most harshly treated and should be pardoned?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe grounds on which my hon. Friend relies in making this application for a free pardon were before the court; nevertheless, the court convicted. It was open to Mr. Anderson to appeal. He did not avail himself of the opportunity. It is, of course, open to him to apply after six months to see if the disqualification can be removed.
§ Mr. WilliamsIn view of my right hon. and gallant Friend's reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.