HC Deb 23 January 1940 vol 356 cc384-5
86. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consider the abolition of the death penalties in respect to murder arising out of witchcraft in native communities?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Eden)

I am not aware of any adequate reason for altering the law in this matter.

Mr. Creech Jones

In view of the obscurity of these practices among primitive people will sympathetic consideration be given to cases such as this, particularly when one person has appealed on a murder charge?

Mr. Eden

I am not aware of any adequate reasons for drawing this distinction. If the hon. Member has any reasons I should like to know them.

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