§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in the past year in the case of Alan W. Norton; what action he has taken following these representations; which Jersey officials were consulted on what action should be taken; what previous involvement these officials had in the case; whether the trial judge was consulted on all requests for parole; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorMr right hon. Friend has received representations in the past year from the hon. Member about Mr. Norton's conviction and his possible release on licence. These representations were carefully considered.
The observations of the former Bailiff of Jersey (who had acted as prosecution counsel in the case) were obtained on points of detail raised about Mr. Norton's conviction. I subsequently wrote to the hon. Member to say that I could see no grounds for any action on the part of the Home Secretary.
I also explained that the trial judge, the Lord Chief Justice and the Bailiff had been consulted in September 1984 about Mr. Norton's possible release on licence. The Parole Board did not recommend Mr. Norton's release but recommended—and my right hon. Friend has agreed—that his case should be referred to the local review committee in May 1990.