§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on deciding whether to reconsider a previous decision not to refer criminal cases to appeal; and if he takes into account the later views of the judge who had dismissed a particular appeal at the time.
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§ Mr. John PattenIn deciding whether to refer to the Court of Appeal, under section 17 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968, the case of a person convicted on indictment, my right hon. Friend would normally consider it right to intervene whether there is new evidence or other consideration of substance which has not previously been before the courts, and which appears to cast doubt upon the safety of the conviction. If any member of the judiciary expressed views on the safety of a conviction my right hon. Friend would consider these very carefully.