HC Deb 12 December 1911 vol 32 cc2136-7
Mr. CRAWSHAY-WILLIAMS

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Thomas William Stewart, who was sentenced at Leeds on 5th December to three months' imprisonment for using profane language, and also to the case of John William Gott, who, at the same time and place, was sentenced to four months' imprisonment for having published a pamphlet entitled, "Rib-ticklers or Questions for Parsons"; and whether in view of these and of other similar cases, he will take steps to reform the laws respecting blasphemy?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

One of these prisoners has applied for leave to appeal against his conviction and sentence, and so long as the case is before the Court of Criminal Appeal I cannot say anything about it.

Mr. CRAWSHAY-WILLIAMS

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not consider that apart from these cases the blasphemy laws stand in need of amendment, and whether he is aware that under a Stature of William III., which has never yet been repealed, many of the most harmless and orderly Members of this House could probably be held liable to imprisonment for three years?

Mr. McKENNA

I believe there is a great deal of substance in the question. It is a question of very old standing, and perhaps the hon. Member would postpone any further inquiry on the subject until these particular cases have been dealt with.

Mr. GEORGE GREENWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late Mr. Justice Stephen, in his "Digest of the Criminal Law," sets out in parallel columns two versions of the blasphemy law, for each of which he says there is high authority?

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to shorten the sentences passed upon these people? In any case, might not the man who has not appealed be dealt with?

Mr. McKENNA

No. I must wait until the appeal in the first case has been heard. I must also wait until application is made to me by the parties that the sentences should be revised.

Sir W. BYLES

Apart altogether from the criminal appeal in this case, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government will consider or is considering a reform of the law respecting blasphemy?

Mr. McKENNA

I do not think one week's delay will make much difference, if my hon. Friend will postpone his further inquiry until this subject has been disposed of.