HC Deb 26 January 1967 vol 739 cc1758-9
21. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will adopt the procedure advocated by the Council of "Justice" in discussions with his Department, for dealing with cases where prisoners press their claims to innocence after their appeals have been dismissed either because of new evidence or because of matters into which the courts have failed to inquire.

Mr. Taverne

There have been informal discussions between my Department and the Committee which the Council of "Justice" has set up to inquire into this matter, but I am not aware that the Committee has yet reached any conclusions.

Mr. Iremonger

Will not the Minister acknowledge frankly here and now, with special reference to the appalling miscarriage of justice revealed in the petition for a free pardon for my constituent, Mr. Trussell, that this procedure gives rise to serious and widespread anxiety? Will he refrain from making a decision on this petition until the whole procedure has been reviewed?

Mr. Taverne

I will certainly look into that case, to which the Question does not relate, but I do not see how we can act on the recommendations of the Council of "Justice" until we have them.

Mr. Rowland

In considering this general matter will my hon. and learned Friend take into account the problem presented where, although a man is innocent of some or all charges, he foolishly pleads guilty on the advice of his legal advisers and ends up by being imprisoned instead of being fined?

Mr. Taverne

Certainly we shall look at all the circumstances, although my hon. Friend will realise that the scope for action on the part of the Home Office is limited when a matter has been considered by the courts. If he has a particular case in mind I hope that he will send me the details.