HC Deb 20 May 1971 vol 817 cc1507-9
22. Mr. Loughlin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute a public inquiry into the case of James Hanratty, who was convicted and hanged for the alleged murder of Michael Gregston on 22nd August, 1961.

33. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now order a public inquiry into the circumstances of the trial and conviction of James Hanratty for murder.

Mr. Maudling

I cannot at present add to the reply which I gave to a Question on 6th May by the hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead).—[Vol. 816, c. 424.]

Mr. Loughlin

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable disquiet, both inside and outside the House, about a possible miscarriage of justice in this case? Does he not think that, in the light of the evidence advanced in recent weeks, there is such an element of doubt about the guilt or otherwise of James Hanratty as to justify a public inquiry? Will he say when he is likely to make up his mind whether a public inquiry will take place?

Mr. Maudling

Certainly. "As soon as possible" is the answer. This is a matter that gives rise to considerable public concern and that is why I want to get the full facts before coming to a conclusion. This is a complicated matter. I am having a full analysis made of the latest publication on this subject and I shall then have to determine whether it brings out any new factors not previously known. I cannot make a decision on that until I have been fully advised—[An HON. MEMBER: "By whom?"] By my advisers, of course. There are voluminous documents which I shall have to study, and, until I have examined all the advice I cannot reach a conclusion, but I will do so as soon as I can.

Mr. Whitehead

Is the Home Secretary not aware that a full investigation is wanted by many hon. Members on both sides of the House, so as to get at the facts by power of subpoena? Those facts will not be established by study of the documents in the possession of the Home Office, nor by the statement and allegations of conspiracy, and confession of Mr. Peter Alphon. What is necessary is a public inquiry, with power of subpoena.

Mr. Maudling

This has been considered many times in the past. My duty is to decide whether anything new has emerged which calls for a new inquiry. I cannot decide that until a full analysis is made of the book, which has several hundred pages, and until substantial research has been done. I cannot come to a conclusion until I have the full facts.

Dame Irene Ward

The mother of the boy concerned is a constituent of mine in that she resides in my constituency. Will the Home Secretary give us an analysis of the people who have asked him for an inquiry? It is important for all of us in the North of England to know the facts. My right hon. Friend has had comprehensive representations from a large number of people for an inquiry, and we should welcome knowledge on the subject.

Mr. Maudling

As I said, this case has been considered by my predecessors. I approach it afresh. I am determined to get possession of all the available facts and come to a conclusion on that basis.

Mr. Callaghan

I am sure that the Home Secretary will approach this matter with a great sense of responsibility, as Home Secretaries always do. In the light of what has happened, I think that he should take as much time as he needs to consider it, but if he reaches a conclusion that there should be a fresh public inquiry, I, speaking from my past study of the case, should not want to dissent from that merely because a different conclusion was reached earlier.

Mr. Maudling

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for what he says.

Mr. Loughlin

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.