§ Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the criteria he uses to authorise ex gratia payments to persons who have served gaol sentences which were subsequently quashed by the Court of Appeal.
§ Mr. JohnThere is no statutory provision for the compensation of persons acquitted in the normal course of trial or appeal. Exceptionally, my right hon. Friend may authorise anex gratia payment from public funds if the circumstances are compelling and there has been some misconduct or negligence on the part of some public authority.