§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
On how many occasions in the five years ending 31st December 1982 the Home Secretary was asked to refer back to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) the case of a person serving a custodial sentence and claiming to be innocent; and how many cases were so referred to the Court of Appeal during that period.
§ Lord EltonThe information requested in the first part of the Question is not available. During the five years ending on 31st December 1982, the cases of thirteen persons who had been given immediate custodial sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal pursuant to Section 17 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 for determination concerning conviction.