§ 31. Mr. David Steelasked the Lord Advocate what representations he has received concerning the case of Patrick Meehan.
§ The Lord Advocate (Mr. Ronald King Murray)Various representations have been received from Patrick Meehan and the Patrick Meehan Committee. These representations have been passed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. SteelHas the right hon. and learned Gentleman read the book that one of my constituents, a Mr. Kennedy, has written on this case? Does he think that confidence in the administration of justice in Scotland demands either an inquiry or a reference back to the courts of the evidence that he has produced?
§ The Lord AdvocateThe answer to the first branch of the hon. Gentleman's question is "Yes". The answer to the second branch is "No".
Dr. M. S. MillerI have a vested interest in the case as it was my aunt who was murdered. Having had talks with my uncle on this subject, I can tell my right hon. and learned Friend that there will be no objection on his part to an inquiry. I accept that there should be a public inquiry into the whole case.
§ The Lord AdvocateThat matter was known to me and to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, and it was taken into account.
§ Mr. RifkindWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman take into account that the alleged new evidence that is presented in Mr. Kennedy's book is almost entirely obtained from those who have substantial criminal convictions? Will he take that into account in considering the case for a public inquiry?
§ The Lord AdvocateYes.