HC Deb 28 February 1921 vol 138 c1426
Mr. HURD (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received cabled representations from the Attorney-General of Ontario, the Commissioner of Parks of Toronto, and other Canadian authorities, respecting Charles Tellett, the Woolwich ex-service man, formerly of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, who was sentenced to be hanged to-morrow, Tuesday; whether this cabled Canadian information testifies to the excellent character of Tellett in his former Canadian occupations, and especially to the existence in Canada of ample proof that injuries sustained in the War have rendered this man unaccountable for his actions at times; and whether sufficient time will be granted to permit of the arrival of this fresh Canadian evidence, so that it may be taken fully into consideration?

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

The prisoner on the 19th February lodged notice of application for leave to appeal against his conviction and the date provisionally fixed for his execution was accordingly cancelled. I have received representations from the authorities referred to, but for the present the matter rests with the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Mr. HURD

Will the right hon. Gentleman himself defer any final action in the matter until he has received this further Canadian information?

Mr. SHORTT

All action must be deferred, as the matter is before the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Mr. HURD

Will the right hon. Gentleman himself, before coming to his final decision in the matter, give an opportunity for this further Canadian evidence to reach him?