HC Deb 18 April 1961 vol 638 cc952-3
15. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements exist for bringing a convicted person serving a prison sentence into contact with members of the legal profession who would be willing to act for him without payment in a case where there may be reason to suppose that a miscarriage of justice has occurred.

Mr. Brooman-White

A prisoner, whose right of appeal has been exhausted and who believes that facts which have subsequently come to light reveal a miscarriage of justice, may submit these facts to my right hon. Friend so that he may consider whether these are grounds for recommending the exercise of the Royal Prerogative or for referring the case to the High Court. If such prisoner desires a solicitor to prepare his case he may peitition my right hon. Friend who may permit an approach to the solicitor who previously acted in the case or to the local agent for the poor.

Mr. Rankin

That is simply evading the Question. The hon. Member knows that, because correspondence has taken place between the Secretary of State and myself on this matter. I hope that it is permissible to say this: in view of that correspondence, will the right hon. Gentleman agree to create a panel of those members of the legal profession who are willing to take up these cases and to make that panel as widely known as possible for the benefit of relatives and others? Will he do that, in view of the fact that wrongful conviction and wrongful imprisonment still take place, despite all the appeals and reviews? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that point?

Mr. Brooman-White

It would be considered. The correspondence to which the hon. Member referred related to the present arrangements for the representation of people of inadequate means. That is the point with which I dealt in the reply.

Mr. Rankin

It has nothing to do with that.