HC Deb 20 November 1986 vol 105 cc287-8W
21. Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he commenced his review of the case against the six men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings.

Mr. Hurd

Following the "World in Action" programme on the case on 28 October 1985. But since then we have had to take account of the fresh suggestions made in Mr. Mullin's book which was published in June.

25. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make available to relatives of the six men convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings a copy of all records kept by Dr. Frank Skuse and the Home Office laboratory at Chorley in relation to their case.

Mr. Mellor

No, Sir. It is the policy of the forensic science service not to release case notes.

30. Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to inform the forensic scientist Mr. David Baldock of the alleged error in the information supplied to him on 20 May 1985 by the director of the Home Office laboratory at Chorley.

56. Mr. Clay

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Griess test formula supplied to the forensic scientist Mr. David Baldock by the director of the Home Office laboratory at Chorley on 20 May 1985.

Mr. Mellor

In May 1985, in response to a request from Mr. Baldock, the then director of the Chorley forensic science laboratory supplied details to him of the Griess test performed by Dr. Skuse in the Birmingham pub bombings case. Mr. Baldock was told that the strength of the caustic soda solution used by Dr. Skuse was 1 per cent. After the broadcast of the "World in Action" programme on 28 October 1985, and following a decision to carry out a re-appraisal of the Griess test, it became clear that the strength of the caustic soda solution used by Dr. Skuse was almost certainly 0.1 per cent.

We very much regret that incorrect information appears to have been given to Mr. Baldock and that this was not drawn to his attention subsequently.

33. Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has now completed his investigations into the cases of those convicted of the Birmingham pub bombings.

Mr. Mellor

We are continuing to consider the various representations which have been made in regard to the men's convictions. We hope to be able to reach a decision shortly.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the representations he has received in 1986 for the release of Paddy Hill, Robert Hunter, Noel McIlkenny, Billy Power, Johnnie Walker and Hugh Callaghan, currently imprisoned; when he expects to make a decision on their cases; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

We have received representations expressing concern about the convictions of these six men from, among others, Members of both Houses; from religious leaders in this country and the Irish Republic; from the Irish Government; and from members of parliamentary delegations from that country. With regard to our consideration of the case, I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Duffy).