HC Deb 10 December 1963 vol 686 cc210-1
25. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement concerning the circumstances in which seven men, convicted for offences arising out of demonstrations in St. Vincent on 2nd March, 1962, who lodged an appeal against sentence, were not given the result of their appeal until 2nd November, 1963, and were then told that their sentences were to run from this date

Mr. Fisher

The seven men were convicted on 4th March, 1963, and sentence was passed on 19th March. Notice of appeal was given on 15th March. The appeals were heard on 13th August but judgment was not given until 2nd November. Their sentences will run from 19th March, the date of the passing of sentence, and not from 2nd November.

I have just been informed this morning that a notice of intention to petition the Privy Council for leave to appeal has been served. In the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment until the further legal proceedings have been concluded.

Mrs. White

In thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he will undertake to investigate certain rather peculiar circumstances surrounding this case, of which I will send him particulars?

Mr. Fisher

Yes, of course I will.