§ 54. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances, and subject to what restrictions, does he take action to remit sentences of flogging?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)The remission of a sentence of corporal punishment imposed by a court of law can be effected only by the exercise of the prerogative of mercy. There are various considerations which it is the duty of the Home Secretary to take into account in advising on the exercise of this prerogative—one being that only on special grounds is it right to interfere with a sentence passed by a competent court which has heard the evidence and is responsible by law for deciding what is the appropriate method of dealing with the offender.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the idea that is prevalent that the Home Office cannot interfere in a case of flogging except on medical grounds, will the Home Secretary make it clear that the Home Office have power to stop a flogging on other than medical grounds? Am I to understand that the Home Office has no power to stop a flogging on other than medical grounds?