§ MR. P. A. TAYLORasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is true, as recently stated in the "Pall Mall Gazette," that he has ordered the exclusion of the representatives of the Press from witnessing the flogging of criminals; and, if so, if he will state to the House what other provision he has made for ensuring to the public the advantage of whatever deterring character there may be in such punishments?
MR. PAGETsaid, that perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would, at the same time, answer the following Question:—If his attention has been drawn to statements which appeared in the evening papers of the 25th instant, professing to give minute details of the execution of Peace; and, whether it is possible for him to prevent the attendance of reporters at executions, and thus to prevent the publication of details of a revolting character?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSMy attention has been called to the statements which appeared in the evening papers of the 25th instant, professing to give minute details of the execution of the unfortunate man Peace; and, having seen those statements, I am at a loss to see what public abvantage would be gained by the admission of reporters to witness the flogging of criminals. I take it that the proper 1832 course to follow is to see that all such, punishments are executed in the presence of certain official and responsible persons not connected with the gaol in order to see that they are properly applied. With this safeguard I think the public may rest content. As to the latter part of the hon. Member for Somersetshire's Question—which has reference to preventing the attendance of reporters at executions—I may say that the Sheriff has by statute the conduct of all those matters in the case of executions, and I have no power to interfere with his discretion.