§ MR. CALDWELL (Lanarkshire, Mid)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General whether there exists in England, as in Scotland, a settled practice of the judges in charges of murder not to accept a plea of guilty tendered by an accused, so as to ensure that sentence of death should only pass after trial before, and verdict of, a 853 jury; and, if not, whether the Government will take steps by legislation or otherwise to bring the practice of England in accord with the practice of Scotland in such cases.
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir ROBERT FINLAY,) Inverness BurghsIn England there exists no such settled practice as that stated in the question of the hon. Member to exist in Scotland. Every precaution is taken to prevent any danger of miscarriage, and there is no occasion for legislation.