§ 7. Mr. Dale Campbell-Savours (Workington)If he will discuss with the chief constable of Manchester the availability of information on the investigation of accusations of rape in the case of Owen Oyston. [64351]
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Jack Straw)I am afraid that I cannot accede to my hon. Friend's request. The disclosure of information about an investigation is a matter for the chief officer of the police force concerned. Ministers have no authority to intervene in such matters, nor would it be appropriate for us to do so.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursMy right hon. Friend will be aware that many people in the north-west of England believe that Owen Oyston is innocent of the crime of rape and that his trials were a travesty of justice. He will know also that Mr. Oyston has refused to concede any element of guilt in this case, even though he might secure early parole. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that all the documents in the possession of Manchester police—including the many documents that were not given to the defence, and particularly all of those relating to Cullis—will be handed to the Criminal Cases Review Commission immediately? Is it not quite wrong that this man—who many people, including me, believe is innocent of this crime—should languish in prison simply because the CCRC does not have the necessary resources to conduct an earlier inquiry?
§ Mr. StrawIt is not for me or any Minister to give the undertakings that my hon. Friend requests. 558 Mr. Owen Oyston was convicted by a jury on serious charges and made an appeal to the Court of Appeal criminal division, which was dismissed. I now understand that he has made an application to the CCRC. What transpires is entirely a matter for that commission, not for Ministers.