HL Deb 30 April 1998 vol 589 cc33-4WA
Lord Westbury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they plan to reappraise the case for release of Guardsmen Fisher and Wright. [HL1536]

Lord Dubs

In October 1997 the Secretary of State decided that the cases of the two Guardsmen should be considered by the Life Sentence Review Board in October this year. The timing of this review is currently the subject of a judicial review. The judgment is awaited.

Lord Westbury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the continued imprisonment of Guardsmen Fisher and Wright is in accordance with the principles of natural justice. [HL1535]

Lord Dubs

The two soldiers were convicted of murder by due process of law and received the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. The Secretary of State has personally decided the cases. They have been considered at all times in accordance with the established procedures for the review of such cases. I can assure the House that they have been considered strictly on their own merits and based on the facts as found by the independent courts.