HC Deb 27 October 1902 vol 113 cc819-20
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether, under the new rules for regulating the executions of capital sentences in Ireland, the executioner is bound to be detained in the prison, or its neighbourhood, until the coroner has decided whether he requires him to give evidence at the inquest; and, if so, who has the power to detain him pending the decision of, the coroner.

MR. WYNDHAM

The new rules require that the executioner shall remain in the prison until he has completed the execution and until permission is given to him to leave. His detention after the execution would be a matter for arrangement between the sheriff, or his representative, and the governor of the prison.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

But will the coroner's request be recognised by the Governor or sheriff?

MR. WYNDHAM

It is a matter, I think, for the governor of the prison. The questions the coroner has to decide are as to the identity of the body and whether the judgment of death was duly executed. It may be that in the opinion of the governor there is ample evidence available from persons other than the excutioner, whose attendance at the execution is a statutory obligation.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of Dr. Cross, alleged to have been executed in Cork gaol——

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. The hon. Member must put that Question down on the Paper.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I have put it down several times.

MR. SPEAKER

That is a good reason why it should not he put again.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

When I put the Question before I was told that under the prison rule there was no power to detain the executioner. Now the rules are being altered.

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is asking as to a specific case, and he must put his Question down.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I submit, Sir, it is in order to ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that in the case of Dr. Cross, alleged to have been executed——

MR. SPEAKER

If a Question relates to a particular case, notice must be given.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I will try to put the Question down. I want a satisfactory answer.