§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many civil servants within his Department are working(a) full time and (b) part time on considering new evidence submitted on 8 June 1993 in relation of the conviction of four persons for the murder of Carl Bridgewater in 1978.
§ Mr. MacleanNo official is working full time on this case. In accordance with normal working procedures, one officer is principally responsible for examining the various representations that have been submitted since June 1993. Other officials have also given substantial consideration to the case and will continue to be involved as necessary while the current review is in progress.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he now expects to decide whether to refer to the Court of Appeal new evidence submitted on 8 June 1993 in relation to the conviction of four persons for the murder of Carl Bridgewater in 1978.
§ Mr. MacleanA number of representations on behalf of those convicted in this case were received between June 1993 and April 1994. We understand that more may follow. We have asked the police to make inquiries into some of the matters raised. When those inquiries have been completed and any further representations have been considered, my right hon. Friend will consider in the light194W of all the information available to him whether it would be right for him to refer any of the convictions to the Court of Appeal or to take any other action.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which factors he is considering as part of the new evidence submitted to him on 8 June 1993 in relation to the conviction of four persons for the murder of Carl Bridgewater in 1978 before determining whether the case should be referred to the Court of Appeal.
§ Mr. MacleanAll the matters raised in the latest series of representations will be taken fully into account before any decision is taken on whether to refer any of the convictions to the Court of Appeal.