80. Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been directed to the sentence of death passed on Archibald Lionel Crockford, aged 20 years, at the Old Bailey for murdering his five-months-old baby, after he had been out of work for 12 months; whether he is aware that it was submitted by counsel that he was in a state of semi-starvation and that his mind was unhinged at the time of the murder through worry; and whether, seeing that he was recommended to mercy by the jury, his case can be reviewed and a decision made without delay?
Sir J. BAIRDMy right hon. Friend must decline to answer any question as to the advice which it may be his duty to give to His Majesty in capital cases. I may point out, however, that it is open to a prisoner within 10 days of his conviction to apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal, and that my right hon. Friend cannot come to any decision in a case of this kind until that period has expired.