§ 68. Mr. Radfordasked the Home Secretary under what statutory authority he releases reprieved murderers and other criminals, respectively?
§ Sir S. HoareI would refer my hon. Friend to Section 9 of the Penal Servitude Act, 1853, as regards convicts (including persons sentenced to death whose sentences have been commuted to penal servitude) and to Sections 5 and 14 of the Prevention of Crime Act, 1908, as regards persons sentenced to Borstal detention or preventive detention respectively. These statutory provisions relate to the release on licence of the classes of prisoners referred to. In addition, of course, there is the Royal prerogative of mercy which is exercised by His Majesty on the advice of his responsible Ministers.