§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will specify the dates during the last 20 years when a convicted prisoner has had his prison sentence increased by the Court of Criminal Appeal; what were the sentences imposed by the trial judge and the increased sentence imposed on appeal; and when was the last occasion when such increased sentence was imposed by the Court of Criminal Appeal.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesIt would take disproportionate effort and cost to search courts records for the past 20 years to provide this information.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether, since the Criminal Appeal (N.I.) Act 1968, any memorandum or instruction has been issued to or by the Lord Chief Justice regarding the practice of imposing a prison sentence of greater severity by the Court of Criminal Appeal.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe case the hon. Member no doubt has in mind is entirely a matter for the courts of Northern Ireland. I have no authority to issue instruction to the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland.