HC Deb 28 July 1998 vol 317 cc102-3W
Mr. Goggins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used to determine the order of priority for cases referred to the Criminal Cases Review Commission. [51479]

Mr. Michael

[holding answer 27 July 1998]: In determining the priority of the applications it receives, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) takes into account the date of receipt and such factors as the age and health of the applicant and witnesses to the case; any evidential or operational considerations; whether or not the applicant is in custody, and the impact of the case on public confidence in the criminal justice system. The weight attached to each of these criteria will vary case to case. The decision in each case is an operational matter for the CCRC.

Mr. Goggins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of cases referred to date to the Criminal Cases Review Commission. [51482]

Mr. Michael

[holding answer 27 July 1998]: Cases reach the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) when an application is made to the Commission by, or on behalf of, an individual who claims that he or she has been the victim of a miscarriage of justice. In addition, some 284 cases which were pending when the CCRC was set up have been transferred to the Commission by the Home Office. The total number in both categories is now slightly over 1,700.