§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken in Wales to protect farms from damage caused by new age travellers; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Charles WardleThe policing of such gatherings is a matter for the appropriate chief constable. Chief officers have this year improved their intelligence on new age travellers, which is now co-ordinated nationally.
On 31 March my right hon. and learned Friend the then Home Secretary announced our proposals to strengthen section 39 of the Public Order Act 1986, which gives the police powers to deal with aggravated trespass on land, and to introduce new police powers to prevent illegal rave parties on land.
Representations of wrongful conviction and action taken Year Number of cases considered (individual defendants) References to the Court of Appeal1 Cases (defendants) Outcome of Appeal Free Pardons Allowed Dismissed granted2 1988 536 32 (2) — — 1 (1) 39 1989 568 3 (6) 3 (6) — — 50 1990 731 7 (20) 7 (20) — — 47 1991 714 10 (12) 410 (12) — — 37 1992 763 58 (11) 2 (5) 1 (1) 19 1 Under section 17(1) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968. 2 These were granted in summary cases where there is no power to refer back to the courts. 3 One case later abandoned. 4 Court ordered a re-trial in one case: defendant later acquitted. 5 Five cases outstanding. In the other cases there were found to be no grounds to justify any action by my right hon. Friend.