§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the TUC concerning the Shrewsbury pickets gaoled in December on conspiracy charges; what representations the TUC representatives made with a view to his setting aside the convictions or remitting part of the sentences; and what steps the TUC indicated it might take if it was not satisfied with his actions in this matter.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsI have met the Finance and General Purposes Committee of the TUC at its request. The committee represented to me a number of grounds for the exercise of clemency in respect of the sentences imposed, and I explained to it the constitutional constraints affecting the exercise of the Prerogative. The question of further action by the TUC did not arise.