§ Mr. Lawlerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the recent cases of eight former detectives convicted at Worcester for offences relating to the overcharging of expenses, he will recommend the granting of a free pardon, in view of the special circumstances and the advice given by superiors to such officers that they could render accommodation expenses in excess of those actually incurred.
§ Mr. James CallaghanI have before me representations both for the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy and by way of appeal under the Police Act 1964 against the disciplinary awards. As soon as the necessary inquiries have been completed I shall consider both aspects most carefully before reaching a decision on each.