§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of the considerable dissatisfaction which exists owing to there being no appeal against a decision of a Judge of the High Court refusing a writ of habeas corpus, and whether they will take urgent action in the matter.]
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, as the noble Lord is aware, there is a right of appeal to the Court of Appeal against the 155 refusal of a writ of habeas corpus in a civil matter. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary is already actively considering, in consultation with my noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor, the question of conferring a right of appeal to the House of Lords against the refusal of a writ of habeas corpus in a criminal matter. This involves difficult and important problems which require thorough examination.