§ Mr. Peter Archerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances during the year 1972, or in the last period of 12 months for which figures are available, was a person granted a free pardon under the Prerogative of Mercy following the production of fresh evidence; and in how many of these cases did this entail release from a prison sentence.
§ Mr. CarlisleOf the free pardons granted in 1972, 331 were recommended on grounds of evidence not known to the court. In no case was release from a prison sentence involved, but in two cases other custodial sentences had been imposed.