HC Deb 27 October 1986 vol 103 c9W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received about the review of the cases of those who were sentenced for the Birmingham and Guildford pub bombings; and what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

Since the beginning of July my right hon. Friend has received about 170 letters, including some 50 from right hon. and hon. Members and several from religious leaders about these two cases. Some letters refer, in addition, to the Maguire case. My right hon. Friend and I have also met a parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Ireland. We have assured all those concerned that we are examining as quickly and as thoroughly as possible the various representations which have been made to us about the respective convictions, including material contained in two recently published books.