HC Deb 27 March 1958 vol 585 cc572-4
20. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the light of the question of special public interest in the case of John Armstrong who was sentenced to death at Winchester Assizes in December, 1956, whose sentence was subsequently commuted to life imprisonment and who is now a prisoner in Wormwood Scrubs prison, he will place a full transcript of the trial In the Library of the House of Commons.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have already arranged for a transcript of this trial to be placed in the Library.

Dr. Johnson

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for this reply, may I ask him whether, in considering this case, he will consider the fact that the medical evidence in it is of an equivocal nature as between the two defendants at the trial, one of whom was acquitted at the time and has now confessed? Is he also aware that many people, myself included, have difficulty in comprehending how this charge was made one of murder in its original form? Is he further aware that, whilst appreciating the reasons for delaying consideration, I should be pleased to elaborate these remarks at an interview at his convenience?

Mr. Butler

Certainly it would be better if my hon. Friend would talk to me about this case. I cannot comment on the matter of the original charge, which was a question for the examining justices and not for me. In regard to any other matter dealing with the prosecution, it would be better if the hon. Member had a word with me.

Mr. S. Silverman

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the general practice of the Home Office now about the supply of transcripts of cases of this kind, or of criminal cases generally, to persons with a legitimate interest in the matter?

Mr. Butler

I should not like to give an answer on that without thought, but I will either frame an answer to a Question on the Paper put by the hon. Gentleman or I will write to him.

21. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the light of fresh evidence sent to him by the hon. Member for Carlisle, he will cause a review of the case of John Armstrong to be made.

Mr. R. A. Butler

My hon. Friend sent me a letter from Armstrong three days ago. I shall consider this letter and the statement which Mrs. Armstrong made to the police on 22nd March and communicate with my hon. Friend when I have done so.

Dr. Johnson

May I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply?