MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has seen the Press report of an interview with Berry, the public executioner, from which it appears that, as Berry alleges, he was turned out of Kirkdale Gaol by the officials to prevent him giving evidence before a Coroner's jury in the case of a man decapitated during execution, because such evidence would have placed the responsibility for the mishap on the Home Office; and that the Press have been excluded from executions by direction of the Home Office; whether he will state whether it is usual for the executioner to be present at the inquests held after executions; and what regulations are in force as to the presence of reporters at executions?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have not seen any Press report containing the allegation of Berry that he was turned out of Kirkdale Prison to prevent his giving evidence at the inquest. The reports which I have seen of the case referred to show that Berry left the prison of his own accord. The Home Office have not given instructions that reporters should be refused admission to executions. It is not usual for the executioner to be present at the inquest held after the execution. The admission of reporters was a matter for the decision of the High Sheriff of the county. The Prison Commissioners have not interfered in the matter. On the occasion referred to the reporters were made to leave the prison before they completed their notes in consequence of orders given improperly and without authority by the executioner Berry himself.