HL Deb 24 November 1965 vol 270 cc906-7

2.40 p.m.

LORD RUSSELL OF LIVERPOOL

My Lords, I beg leave 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 propose to take any action to implement the recommendations of the Donovan Committee, and, if so, when.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONHAM)

My Lords, the Government accept the recommendations contained in the Committee's Report and intend to introduce legislation to give effect to them as soon as practicable.

LORD RUSSELL OF LIVERPOOL

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for his reply. I should have been happier if he had been able to say what he means by "as soon as practicable". May I ask him whether he thinks that some priority might be given to the thirteenth recommendation made by the Committee; namely, that the Court of Criminal Appeal should be given an express power to allow an appeal against conviction where, upon consideration of the whole of the evidence, it comes to the conclusion that the verdict of the jury is unsafe or unsatisfactory."? May I ask him whether he does not think that that change requires some priority, having regard to the fact that it was recommended as long as 58 years ago by a former noble and learned Lord who sat on the Woolsack but who, in those days, in 1907, was better known as "F.E."?

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, so far as saying exactly when, I would remind the noble Lord that the Report was submitted only in August. We have already reached a decision on it. We are anxious to implement these provisions, and will, indeed, introduce legislation as quickly as we can. With regard to the particular recommendation of the Report to which the noble Lord referred, this is only one of four major recommended changes in the powers and procedure of the Court of Criminal Appeal, and it will, like the others, require legislation, as, of course, will the changes in the constitution of the Court. I am advised that it would be impracticable, even if it were advisable, to single out one power for action. I have made the intentions of the Government in this matter entirely clear, and we will act on them as soon as possible.