§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, following the decision of the Court of Appeal to uphold the convictions of the men in the Birmingham pub bombings case, they have any plans to recommend the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in their cases.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)My right honourable friend has noted the decision of the Court of Appeal. I understand that an application is to be made for leave to appeal to this House. Where, following a reference by my right honourable friend, the Court of Appeal has considered the issues at length, we would not think it right to intervene in the absence of any indication from the courts that my right honourable friend should consider doing so.