HC Deb 31 October 1956 vol 558 c1417
13. Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the number of cases in which persons convicted of terrorist activity in Cyprus have had their sentences reduced during the past two years.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Full statistics would take some time to compile but of persons convicted under the Emergency Regulations, which constitute the bulk of terrorist convictions, 53 have had their sentences reduced or set aside on appeal.

Sir W. Anstruther-Gray

Arising out of that reply, it would be true to say, would it not, that considerable leniency has been shown in many cases?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I would hesitate to exaggerate. This represents one in 200 cases, and it is the result of careful examination.

Mr. Bevan

Do we now understand that if sentences are reduced or set aside on appeal it is evidence of leniency, or is it not evidence of the unjustified severity of the previous sentence? The point of view expressed is an extraordinary point of view.