Post Office ‘ reviewing 900 cases in Horizon accounting scandal’
THE POST Office continues to review around 900 historical convictions of sub- postmasters linked to the Horizon accounting scandal, MPs have heard.
Business Minister Paul Scully said the Government recognises the Horizon “dispute” has had a “hugely damaging effect” on the lives of sub- postmasters and their families, adding: “Its repercussions are still being felt today.”
The Post Office last week conceded 44 appeals by former subpostmasters to overturn convictions linked to the scandal, including some from Yorkshire.
Sub- postmasters were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting after the Horizon IT system was introduced to Post Office branches in 1999.
Mr Scully, replying to an urgent question, said the Post Office’s decision was an “important milestone” before telling the Commons: “The Post Office continues to co- operate fully with the CCRC ( Criminal Cases Review Commission) and are in the process
of reviewing about 900 historical prosecutions.
“Should they find any new information which may cast doubt on the safety of a conviction, they’ve confirmed they will disclose that information to the person who is convicted.”
Tory MP Jason McCartney ( Colne Valley) sought assurances from the Government that the voices of victims will be heard as part of the inquiry.
He said: “Can ( Paul Scully) assure me that my constituent Maria, who is one of the victims of this scandal, and all the other victims, will be able to give evidence to this inquiry, they will be heard and that we will get a conclusion to this inquiry within the next year?”
Mr Scully responded: “It’s up to Sir Wyn Williams how he wants to frame that inquiry, but it’s absolutely set up for people to have their voices heard, for subpostmasters to have their voices heard and reported back within around a year, so absolutely.”
Conservative MP Marcus Fysh ( Yeovil) said: “I welcome the establishment of the inquiry but can the minister please assure us that this is not going to be a whitewash. Many sub- postmasters in my constituency are very anxious to know that.”
Mr Scully responded: “Yes, I can assure him that it will not be a whitewash. I am determined to get the answers to the questions that we need.”