§ 7. Mr. Tinnasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the action of his Department which caused the delay in the hearing of an application for leave to appeal about which the hon. Member for Cleveland first wrote to him on 11th September, 1968.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganThe Home Office was not responsible for this regrettable delay, which, as has been explained to my hon. Friend, occurred because the trial papers were not sent promptly to the Registrar of Criminal Appeals by the clerk of the peace. I am informed that the clerk has taken steps to prevent similar delays in future. My right hon. Friend has recently reminded all clerks of assize and clerks of the peace that every effort should be made to expedite the supply of trial papers to the Registrar.
§ Mr. TinnI welcome that reply and the action which has been taken. Which Minister is responsible for the actions of clerks of the peace? Apparently the Lord Chancellor is not. My constituent might well have been detained unnecessarily for four months had his appeal been upheld purely as a result of mistakes in the office of the clerk of the peace.
§ Mr. MorganThe Home Secretary does not appoint clerks of the peace and they are not answerable to him for the conduct of their business. However, he has a concern in the efficient administration of justice and, for this reason, he has sent the circular referred to in the Answer.