HC Deb 01 March 1968 vol 759 cc438-9W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Roy Neal of Forest Gate, who was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for alleged robbery has, on appeal, and retrial, been found not guilty; and what compensation he proposes to pay to this man.

Mr. Taverne

The law makes no provision for the payment of compensation in cases of this kind. Nor is it customary to make ex gratia payments from public funds unless there has been negligence or misconduct by the police or other public officials. On the information before men I regret that there are no grounds for an exceptional payment in this case.