§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have recently received new evidence throwing light on the guilt or innocence of the six men convicted of the Birmingham Public House bombings of 1974; what action they will be taking about such evidence; and when any decision will be announced.
§ Lord GlenarthurMy right honourable friend the Home Secretary has recently received papers relating to the case. He is examining this material carefully in order to determine whether it constitutes new evidence of a kind which would make it appropriate for him to refer the case to the Court of Appeal. This examination is being carried out as quickly as possible, but I cannot yet say when my right honourable friend will be in a position to reach a decision.