HC Deb 05 June 1990 vol 173 cc418-9W
Mr. Batle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will reconsider the remaining scientific evidence in the Birmingham pub bombings case, in the light of the statements to the May inquiry that forensic evidence in the Maguire case can no longer be considered reliable.

Mr. John Patten

My right hon. and learned Friend has said on many occasions that he will consider any new evidence which appears to call into question the safety of the convictions of the Birmingham Six. He will of course take into account any evidence presented to the May inquiry which may be relevant to these convictions.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to ensure that material in police or other official archives relating to the Birmingham pub bombings case will not be destroyed.

Mr. John Patten

I understand that the West Midlands police and the Devon and Cornwall constabulary have made arrangements to ensure that all material in their possession relating to the Birmingham pub bombings case is stored in secure conditions pending the outcome of further inquiries into the safety of the convictions of the Birmingham Six. Relevant papers in the possession of the Home Office will also be preserved.