§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new representations he has received concerning the case of the Birmingham Six; and what consideration he has given to referral of their case to the Court of Appeal.
§ Mr. John PattenSince my reply of 16 November 1989 to the hon. Member at column449, we have continued to receive representations from Members of both Houses of Parliament and from members of the public, proposing that the case be referred again to the Court of Appeal.
Careful consideration is given to all representations received about the safety of the convictions, but at present, my right hon. and learned Friend can find no grounds to justify his referring this case back to the Court of Appeal. He is, however, always ready to consider new evidence or other considerations of substance which have not been before the courts and which appear to cast doubt upon the safety of any conviction.