Written question asked by George Galloway (Respect Party) on Thursday, 3 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2007. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 May 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Lie Detectors: Jeremy Bamber

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications for his detention of the passing of a polygraph test by life prisoner Jeremy Bamber; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.There is no impact upon Mr. Bamber’s custody as a result of his recent polygraph test. He remains a life sentence prisoner with a whole life tariff. This means that he is not eligible for a Parole Board review to consider his release.Mr. Bamber may if he wishes make a further application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which is the independent non-departmental body established to review alleged miscarriages of justice and they will consider any application made and decide whether a case should be referred to the appeal court. It is only the appeal court that can quash a conviction.

Secondary information