HC Deb 11 March 1976 vol 907 cc599-600
2. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received from organisations and persons concerned with the release of Mr. Des Warren, the imprisoned trade unionist.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I have received 66 communications since I answered a similar Question by my hon. Friend on 12th February.

Mr. Skinner

Why is it that some people seem to get out on parole after a relatively short time while others do not? Is it not a scandal that as recently as yesterday, I think, Ronald Millhench, a trendy business man, was let out after serving only 17 months of a three-year sentence, yet Des Warren is still incarcerated when all that he is guilty of is fighting not to line his own pockets but for better conditions for his mates?

Mr. Jenkins

As my hon. Friend knows perfectly well, the parole board is an independent body. I believe that it is undesirable to discuss particular decisions of this sort, but it is also the case that the individual to whom my hon. Friend has referred and indeed many other individuals, did not have the record of offences in prison, which, unfortunately, Mr. Warren has had and which I very much regret.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Is the Home Secretary aware that if he took representations from the public as a whole, he would find that they are deeply concerned about violent intimidation wherever it may occur, and that they believe that Mr. Warren and his fellow conspirators richly deserved what they got?

Mr. Jenkins

It is always very difficult to be sure what the public as a whole would say. However, in trying to hold a fair balance, as I do in this and other cases, between not treating Mr. Warren more favourably because of any pressure upon me and less favourably in reaction to that pressure, it is necessary to try to apply finer judicial standards than the public as a whole might apply.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Does my right hon. Friend think that the fall of the Labour Government would increase or decrease the possibility of other people landing in the same position as Mr. Warren? Does he think that the reform of the law of conspiracy would be aided or hindered by the fall of the Government?

Mr. Jenkins

There is a later Question about reform of the law of conspiracy and I had better let the House await that. As for the possible fall of this Government, even more important questions than those raised by my hon. Friend would be involved in that situation.

Mr. Wellbeloved

My hon. Friends had better make up their minds sharpish about whether they want a Tory or a Labour Government.