HC Deb 06 June 1928 vol 218 cc169-70
16. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now considered the question of not carrying out executions at Wandsworth gaol in view of the number of juvenile delinquents imprisoned there; and if he will explain why it was necessary to fix the hanging of one of the murderers of police-constable Gutteridge at Wandsworth prison for 31st May last?

Sir V. HENDERSON

There are only two London prisons, namely, Pentonville and Wandsworth, at which sentences of death on male prisoners can be carried into effect, and there were special reasons why the two prisoners convicted of the murder in question should not be detained in the same prison. The young prisoners at Wandsworth are in a building which is separated from the main prison, but my right hon. Friend recognises the objection which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind, and he is considering generally the arrangements for the accommodation of young prisoners in the London area.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In the meantime, could not arrangements be made for persons who are to be executed to be sent to one of the county prisons outside the London area, rather than that they should be executed where all the young offenders are?

Sir V. HENDERSON

That would be considered should the occasion arise.