HC Deb 23 April 1928 vol 216 cc610-1
22. Mr. SHEPHERD

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what were the ages and what were the offences committed by the three boys in their teens who were hanged in Southern Rhodesia, to whom reference is made in the Parliamentary Paper, Cmd. 3076; and whether there is any minimum age at which boys may be executed in this Dominion?

Mr. AMERY

I have no details regarding the cases referred to in the first part of the question. As to the second part, the Southern Rhodesia Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, 1926, exempts persons under the age of 16 years from the provisions relating to the death sentence.

Mr. THURTLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the offences of these three lads?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir.