HL Deb 22 November 1984 vol 457 c753WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm that the Treasury Solicitor, in a letter dated 28th September 1984, on behalf of the Home Office, conceded that the reasons given to a prisoner for his recall from life licence were not adequate, and why, nevertheless, the Home Office Minister responsible for those sentenced to life imprisonment, Mr. David Mellor, stated in a letter of 5th November that "no question of an apology arises".

Lord Elton

The noble Lord's account of the Treasury Solicitor's letter is perfectly accurate. My honourable friend took the view that no apology was necessary since the noble Lord's representations on the prisoner's behalf had been placed before the Parole Board in accordance with the undertaking given in earlier correspondence.