§ 62. Mr. GARDNERasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a performance has been staged at the Grand Theatre, Gravesend, in the course of which Mr. John Ellis, the former executioner, appears as a hangman, and performs all the processes of pinioning and hanging an actor representing Charles Peace, the notorious criminal, a real gallows being erected on the stage for the purpose; and whether he will make it a condition in the future for the appointment of an executioner that he shall give an undertaking not to engage in a public performance in such a role?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, but executioners are employed by sheriffs. I have no power to impose the condition suggested and, if I had, I do not know how it could be enforced after the executioner retired.
§ Mr. GARDNERWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the sheriffs that it is against public policy to have these scenes exhibited? After all Parliament has had a great deal to do with the abolition of public exhibitions of executions.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINCannot this well be left to public opinion and the Press?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. Member knows my view, which I am sure is the view of the House, that these exhibitions are not seemly.
§ Mr. R MORRISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the position of public executioner is pensionable? Is he in receipt of a pension?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNothing of the kind. The public executioner is employed and paid by the sheriffs.
§ Colonel DAYMay I ask whether the Watch Committee or licensing authority in each town have power to stop these performances?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI must have notice of that question.