§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations he has received from Carlisle and Cumbria, respectively, regarding the use by the police of the Lion Intoximeter 3000; what replies he has sent; what action he now proposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdDetails of some 190 cases involving a particular instrument in Carlisle have been referred to the Home Office by the Cumbria constabulary. Representations about particular cases which have been referred have been received from two members of the public and from a firm of solicitors in Carlisle, representing a number of the motorists involved. No direct representations have been received from the rest of Cumbria.
The existence of these cases in Carlisle has been known since March, and was one of the factors which we took into account in reaching the decision which I announced on 26 March at columns 12–14 for a six-month blood test option.
The cases in question are being examined to see whether in any of them a recommendation should be made for the grant of a free pardon. Interim replies explaining that the cases are under consideration have been sent to those who have written.