HC Deb 26 June 1986 vol 100 cc271-2W
14. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received alleging that the men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings are innocent; and what action he proposes to take on these.

15. Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he initiated an inquiry into the cases of the six men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings.

17. Mr. Ernie Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the inquiry which he ordered into the case of the Birmingham pub bombings to reach a conclusion.

19. Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the inquiry he ordered into the case of the six men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings.

55. Mr. Clay

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he as taken, in the light of the current review of the cases of those convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings, regarding the evidence contained in the book "Error of Judgment" by Chris Mullin, a copy of which has been sent to him, alleging that the men who planted the Birmingham pub bombs are in Ireland.

68. Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the inquiry which he ordered into the case of the six men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings has so far taken eight months.

69. Miss Maynard

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specific areas, besides the forensic evidence, are being examined by the inquiry which he ordered into the case of the six men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings.

70. Ms. Clare Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to review the case of the Birmingham pub bombings.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if any progress has been made in determining who inflicted the serious injuries found on the six men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings, following the acquittal of 14 prison officers in 1976 on charges of inflicting those injuries.

Mr. Hurd

I have been carefully examining the case in the light of material submitted to me following theWorld in Action programme last year. This includes material relating to the forensic evidence and allegations that the six men were assaulted in police custody. In addition, I have recently received a copy of Mr. Mullin's book, in which he claims to have identified four men who took part in the bombings. I have asked the police for a report on this aspect. When I have received and considered that report I shall reach a decision as quickly as possible on whether any of the material provides new evidence of a kind which would justify my referring the case to the Court of Appeal.