§ MR. HIBBERTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he is aware that at the execution of William Cassidy within the Strange ways Prison at Manchester on Tuesday last reporters were refused admission to the prison, and denied the slightest information with respect to the execution; also that, in consequence of reporters not being admitted within the prison during the inquest on the body, the coroner held the inquest at an adjoining hotel, and that at such inquest the jury made a presentment in favour of reporters being admitted to executions; and, if so, whether it is his intention to take any steps, by legislation or otherwise, better to carry out the spirit of the Act providing for executions within prisons?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, I do not doubt that we shall all agree that reports, setting forth in minute detail the conduct and actions of condemned prisoners, followed by full descriptions of their executions themselves, are most objectionable. At the same time, it may be wise to have other persons present than the mere officials; but it is not a very pleasant duty for anyone to perform. So far as the law goes, the only persons who had the power of admission to executions were the High Sheriff and the Visiting Justices. The duties of the Visiting Justices were transferred to the Home Secretary; but I wish it to be understood that I have made no order of any description either preventing persons from going or allowing them to go to executions. The Sheriff was the representative of the locality; and I think it might be safely left to him to say whether he would allow persons to be present or not. I can only say that I will be glad to communicate with the Sheriffs and Visiting Committees to see whether any arrangements can be made for ensuring the attendance of any independent persons, without risk of the publications of details most objectionable and most demoralizing. With regard to the Coroner's inquiry, if the reporters were not present it was the Coroner's own fault. The Coroner has the right of admitting persons to his own Court, and there is not the smallest attempt in any way to interfere with his discretion.