on Monday the 15th June.
Although the period spent by the Home Secretary in
considering his decision was short when compared with the
time which would, for example, be spent examining the
issues by the courts, I am satisfied it would be wrong to
draw any adverse inference as to the validity of the
decision from the period spent by the
personally on his deliberations.
Home Secretary
The material which was
put before him could certainly be absorbed within that
period as is confirmed by Mr. Osman who in his covering
letter asks the Home Secretary to spare him "the hour or so
that would be needed to read Parts I and II of the full
Representations".
It is of the greatest importance that
decisions of this significance should be taken where
possible by the Home Secretary personally. The courts have
to accept the practical realities of the time which will or
would be available to a Minister such as the Home Secretary
to devote to any single decision. Ministers have to work.
within the constraints imposed by their office. This is
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