To ask the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice if he will initiate an inquiry into the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the 24 building workers in 1972, known as the Shrewsbury 24, and the subsequent treatment they have received whilst serving their jail sentences; and if he will place copies of the documents held by his Department relating to the case in the Library. (143701)

Any person who believes they have been the victim of a miscarriage of justice can apply to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) for a review of their case. The CCRC has the power to review possible miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to gain access to documents and other material which may be relevant to its investigations, and to refer to the appropriate court any case in which there is a real possibility that the conviction will not be upheld. Unless, however, there are exceptional circumstances, the CCRC is not empowered to refer cases until the court appeal system has been exhausted. It is open to prisoners and former prisoners to seek recompense through civil litigation for any alleged wrongdoing while in prison custody.

We are not aware of the existence of any documents of which copies might be placed in the Library.