HL Deb 28 October 1993 vol 549 cc98-9WA
Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the judgment of Mr. Justice Garland in R v Reade and Others 15 October 1993, they intend to refer the verdicts in R v Saunders and Others (the first "Guinness" trial) to the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) on the grounds that the extensive pre-trial publicity may have precluded a "fair" trial.

Earl Ferrers

In considering whether, in the light of the representations which have been made to my right honourable friend the Home Secretary, there are grounds for taking action in respect of any of the convictions arising from the first Guinness trial, my right honourable friend will take account of all relevant considerations including the suggestion of possible prejudice caused by pre-trial publicity.