HC Deb 05 March 1925 vol 181 cc629-30
38. Mr. JAMES HUDSON

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the case of William Crossley, aged 19, and Edward Patrick Heggarty, aged 17, who were sentenced to death at Stafford assizes on the 27th of February, any sympathetic inquiry has been made into the life history of these boys; if not, whether such inquiry can be made; and whether he will obtain the fullest possible report as to the influences, or lack of influences, which have led up to the committal of the crime for which they have been convicted?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I can say nothing about these cases as the prisoners have appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeal, but I can assure the hon. Member that the fullest inquiry is made into all the circumstances in every case in which a capital sentence is involved.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the influences to which these boys have been subjected throughout the whole of their lives'!

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I can assure my hon. Friend that every possible circumstance in these cases is very carefully considered.