§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, following the decision of the Court of Appeal to uphold the convictions of the men in the Birmingham pub bombings case, he has any plans to recommend the exercise of the royal prerogative of mercy in their cases.
§ Mr. HurdI have noted the decision of the Court of Appeal and I understand that an application is to be made for leave to appeal to the House of Lords. Where, following a reference by me, the Court of Appeal has considered the issues at length, I would not think it right to intervene in the absence of any indication from the courts that I should consider doing so.