HC Deb 25 November 1965 vol 721 cc95-6W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the facts that Prisoner Brett has consistently claimed innocence of the shooting charge for which he is now imprisoned, and that there are many doubt- ful points in connection with this case, he still refuses adequate facilities to this prisoner to obtain evidence from the Hertfordshire police in regard to the offence for which he was convicted.

Miss Bacon

It is primarily for the chief constable to decide what information he can give the prisoner and I understand that, having already given him a good deal of help, the chief constable has decided not to make further inquiries about his case unless my right hon. and learned Friend asks him to do so. If he needs further information from the police for his consideration of this or any other case, my right hon. and learned Friend does not hesitate to ask for it, but in this case he feels that no useful purpose will be served by requesting further information.