HC Deb 27 July 1931 vol 255 cc1947-8
67. Mr. SORENSEN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons sentenced to death in England and Wales during the five years 1925 to 1929, inclusive, have been reprieved on the ground that they were suffering from mental deficiency?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Short)

No case can be traced in which that was the sole ground, but in various cases a degree of mental instability was considered, with other grounds, in advising commutation.

Mr. SORENSEN

Can the hon. Gentleman inform me whether all those persons in whose cases mental instability was found to exist are now receiving appropriate treatment?

Mr. SHORT

I should think so. I have no reason to doubt that such is the case.

Mr. SORENSEN

Does that mean that they are receiving treatment in mental hospitals?

Mr. SHORT

I should require notice of that question.