CONFIDENTIAL
its course, that is regarded as a Ministerial decision and there is no recommendation to the Crown that the Prerogative of Mercy should be exercised.
6. However, so far as Parliament and the public are concerned, the Home Office's firm practice has been to say nothing by way of explanation. The formula usually adhered to was simply that the Secretary of State after careful consideration of all the circumstances has decided to recommend
8 May 1973
cc Sir Duncan Watson
Sir Vincent Evans
Alwarth
A D Watts
Legal Counsellor W 44/5
Mr Crowson (Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept)
CONFIDENTIAL