HC Deb 26 October 1989 vol 158 cc617-8W
Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what time and on what day Gerry Conlon was informed formally of the Director of Public Prosecution's decision not to contest his appeal against the Guildford and Woolwich pub bombing convictions.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I understand that the Crown Prosecution Service informed Mr. Conlon's solicitor of the Director of Public Prosecution's decision at about 11 am on Tuesday 17 October (one hour before the press notice). The solicitor was advised of Mr. Conlon's arrival at Brixton prison the same afternoon and she was able to speak to Mr. Conlon later in the day. There was no formal announcement of these events by the prison authorities.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what time and on what day Patrick Armstrong was informed formally of the Director of Public Prosecution's decision not to contest his appeal against the Guildford and Woolwich pub bombing convictions.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I understand that the Crown Prosecution Service informed Mr. Armstrong's solicitor of the Director of Public Prosecution's decision at about 11 am on Tuesday 17 October (one hour before the press notice). The solicitor was advised of Mr. Armstrong's arrival at Brixton prison the same afternoon and he was able to speak to Mr. Armstrong later in the day. There was no formal announcement of these events by the prison authorities.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what time and on what day Paul Hill was informed formally of the Director of Public Prosecution's decision not to contest his appeal against the Guildford and Woolwich pub bombing convictions.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I understand that the Crown Prosecution Service informed Mr. Hill's solicitor of the Director of Public Prosecution's decision at about 11 am on Tuesday 17 October (one hour before the press notice). The solicitor was advised of Mr. Hill's arrival at Brixton prison the same afternoon and he was able to speak to Mr. Hill later in the day. There was no formal announcement of these events by the prison authorities.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will name those who have been involved in the administration of justice who have sought to have the case of those convicted of the Birmingham bombing put before the courts again.

Mr. John Patten

Since the case of those convicted of the Birmingham public house bombings was last considered by the Court of Appeal following a reference by my right hon. Friend, representations proposing that the case be referred again to the Court of Appeal have been received from members of both Houses of Parliament, representatives of the clergy, representatives of various campaign groups, and members of the public. Some of these have legal qualifications.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on how many occasions Gerry Conlon was strip-searched between 1 pm Tuesday 17 October and his release on Thursday 19 October;

(2) on how many occasions Patrick Armstrong was strip-searched between 1 pm Tuesday 17 October and his release;

(3) on how many occasions Paul Hill was strip-searched between 1 pm Tuesday 17 October and his release.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Comprehensive records of this kind are not routinely maintained, but it would be normal practice for them to have been strip-searched on arrival at Brixton prison, before and after receiving visits, and before their appearance at the Court of Appeal on Thursday 19 October; a total of about half a dozen occasions. It is standard practice to strip-search Category A prisoners on such occasions.

Back to