§ 41 and 42. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) why he has ordered medical tests on Prisoner Holmes, and what information he has from these tests;
(2) when he expects to be able to release Prisoner Holmes, and if he will take into consideration the fact that he has served more than the sentence he was originally given.
§ The Minister of State, Home Department (Miss Alice Bacon)My right hon. and learned Friend hopes that he will soon have completed his current review of this case, in which he will take into account all relevant considerations. His concern is to see whether in all the circumstances of the case he should be justified in authorising the prisoner's release on licence for a second time, and in this connection Holmes has been under medical investigation: the reports of this investigation are confidential.
§ Brigadier ClarkeDoes the hon. Lady know that this man has had many medical tests? As far as I know, each one has proved that he is not mental, and I have given the hon. Lady and the Home Secretary a number of letters written by him which show quite clearly that he is absolutely sane. This man has served over 10 years in prison. He was originally given a sentence of 10 years and then, because he appealed, the judge said that he was insane. There was never a test carried out, but he has done over 10 years now. He has been let out once and been pulled back again, and he ought not to be in jail.
§ Miss BaconI cannot think that discussing this man's medical condition on the Floor of the House will help him in his rehabilitation, if my right hon. and learned Friend decides to let him out for a second time. As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, this is a very sad and sordid case where the crime was one of rape of a girl of 11, and I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman ought to wait until my right hon. Friend has finished the review.
§ Brigadier ClarkeIn view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory Answer and the amount of time that I have spent on this case, I will raise it on the Adjournment.