§ 78. Mr. Victor Yatesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has now considered the representations made to him by the hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood, regarding the case of Mr. Jeffrey Williams, of Birmingham, who has been unable to appeal against a conviction because exhibits produced at the trial, which were essential to an appeal, had been removed from the Court of Quarter Sessions, Birmingham, and cannot be traced; if he has examined the further evidence sent to him, which indicates that the exhibits have subsequently been seen; and in view of the responsibility of the police under the Criminal Appeal Act 1907, which regulates the custody and production of exhibits, if he will cause an inquiry to be held into this matter.
§ Mr. George ThomasMy right hon. and learned Friend has considered the further evidence which my hon. Friend has forwarded. The exhibits have not been seen since the trial at Birmingham Quarter Sessions, when they were in the custody of the court. I am writing to my hon. Friend in greater detail about the matter.