§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what date the prisoner whose number is C43665 was arrested; when he will be brought to trial; whether they consider the delay to be reasonable within the meaning of Article 5(3) of the European Convention on Human Rights, and why they have not yet replied to a petition from that prisoner dated 10th April 1984 asking for the reopening of his 1970 case owing to new evidence.
§ Lord EltonThis prisoner was arrested on 8th June 1983 on the charges on which he is currently remanded in custody. The listing of court business is a matter for the courts themselves and it is not appropriate for me to comment on individual cases. I understand that this particular case is listed for pleas to be taken and directions for trial to be given on 30th July, which is the earliest date on which counsel for the prosecution and for the three defendants are available.
It has been necessary to make inquiries of the police in connection with the matters raised in the petition referred to. A full reply will be sent to the prisoner as soon as these inquiries have been completed. Meanwhile an interim reply has been sent.