HC Deb 13 November 1974 vol 881 cc143-4W
Mr. Arthur Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now recommend the exercise of the Royal Prerogative and the granting of a free pardon to the two Shrewsbury pickets, Eric Tomlinson and Dennis Warren.

Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been made to him by trade unions arising from the case of the three Shrewsbury building workers who have been sentenced for intimidation; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the three Sherwsbury building workers sentenced for intimidation; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Since the decision of the Court of Appeal on 29th October dismissing the appeals in this case representations about the sentences have been received from about 100 individuals and bodies, including the TUC. I have also received a deputation form among my hon. Friends.

I understand that Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Warren have now applied to the Court of Appeal for leave to appeal aganst conviction to the House of Lords, and we must now await the results of the applications; but I must remind the House that the Home Secretary cannot usurp the functions of the courts, and should recommend interference with sentences passed by the courts only on the basis of considerations which the courts have not been able to take into account.