HC Deb 19 March 1963 vol 674 cc43-4W
94. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if a study has now been made of the further evidence submitted by the hon. Member for Easington in regard to the sources of Mr. Mulholland's information based on a statement by the spy Vassall while in prison; and, in view of this indication of the source, if formal advice will now be given for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy in the case of Mr. Mulholland.

Mr. Brooke

Mr. Mulholland was sentenced in consequence of a certificate by the Tribunal presided over by Lord Radcliffe that he had refused to give the Tribunal certain information that it was necessary for the Tribunal to have for the purposes of its inquiry. It was made clear by the court in passing sentence that should the information reach the Tribunal from some other source this would change the situation and might provide grounds for reviewing the sentence of the court. I am authorised by Lord Radcliffe to say that the information received by the Tribunal from Vassall since he gave evidence in public is not such as to alter the situation in this respect.