§ 33. Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his decision on the petition for a free pardon on the grounds of new evidence having become available since conviction will be conveyed to Mr. Trussell of Longwood Gardens, Ilford; and how long the matter has now been under consideration.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Dick Taverne)Mr. Trussell's petition, which related to a conviction in 1963 and was accompanied by voluminous supporting documents, was received in the Home Office on 24th November, 1966. After considering a report of the very detailed inquiries that have been necessary in this case, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that there are no grounds on which he would be justified in recommending a free pardon, or in 442 referring the case to the Court of Appeal. A reply to this effect is being sent to Mr. Trussell's solicitors today.
§ Mr. IremongerMay I inform the hon. and learned Gentleman that I cannot believe my ears? Is he aware that anyone who studies the evidence which he has had before him sees that fresh evidence has come to light since this conviction and that it is absolutely impossible to substantiate the previous conviction? Would he take this back and look at it again?
§ Mr. TaverneThere was a most detailed report of this case prepared by the Metopolitan Police. I cannot possibly go into the issues of it now as it is well over 120 pages long. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the matter has been most carefully considered.