HC Deb 01 November 1973 vol 863 cc7-8W
Mr. W. H. K. Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has now reached a conclusion on the first report of the Thomson Committee on Criminal Procedure; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate and I have considered the recommendations for amendment of the Criminal Appeal (Scotland) Act 1926 in the light of the comments we have received from legal bodies in Scotland. We have decided to accept the report as the basis of legislation to be introduced at a convenient parliamentary opportunity. I cannot say when the Government will be in a position to introduce legislation, but the House may find it useful to know that, on the two matters on which the committee was divided, the preparation of legislation will be on the basis that the present test be retained for grounds of appeal against conviction,

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Steel for Reinforcement 100 146 134 159 160 164 150 160
Hot Rolled Strip 100 143 124 135 135 140 150
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and that the Appeal Court's proposed power to authorise retrial should be limited to fresh evidence cases.

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