asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what criteria he will be guided in reaching a decision on the grant of a free pardon to Timothy John Evans.

I cannot usefully consider this question until I have received Mr. Justice Brabin's report.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that his predecessor, Lord Butler, stated on one occasion that it would be impossible for him to consider the granting of free pardons because there was no precedent in the previous 200 years for doing so? Will the Minister at least consider repudiating this view, and tell the House that he will look at each case on its merits when Mr. Justice Brabin reports to him?

All I can say is that if the occasion should arise I will carefully consider the precedents and whether the appropriate principles apply.