HC Deb 15 January 1990 vol 165 cc29-30W
Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he intends to reply to the correspondence sent to him by the hon. Member for Brent, East and from Mr. Cohn Wallace in August 1989 concerning the case of Mr. Colin Wallace; and if he will make a statement as to the reason for the delay in replying.

Mr. John Patten

I hope to be able to reply shortly to the hon. Member for Brent, East (Mr. Livingstone) and to Mr. Colin Wallace. It has not been possible to send earlier substantive replies pending completion of our consideration of relevant material contained in Mr. Paul Foot's book, "Who Framed Colin Wallace".

Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has concluded his consideration of the conviction of Mr. Colin Wallace for manslaughter in the light of evidence of a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice set out in the book entitled, "Who Framed Colin Wallace", by Paul Foot, referred to in his written reply of 15 May 1989,Official Report, column 96; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

My right hon. and learned Friend hopes shortly to complete his consideration of the material contained in Mr. Foot's book.

Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will institute an inquiry into the conduct of the Sussex police force when investigating the murder charge against Mr. Colin Wallace in the light of allegations of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice made in the book, "Who Framed Colin Wallace", by Mr. Paul Foot and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

I will shortly write to the hon. Member.