§ 21. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the public disquiet aroused by the recent case of a mother and daughter sentenced to death for the murder of the 13-days old illegitimate son of the daughter; that these women lay in the condemned cell for nine weeks; and that II days elapsed after their appeal had been dismissed before a decision to reprieve was made, only four days before the announced date of execution; and if he will in future accelerate decision in such cases, in order to shorten the suspense of the condemned persons.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe suggestion that there are grounds for public disquiet is unfounded. There are some exceptional cases, in which it is practicable and right to announce a reprieve within two or three days: but normally the steps which must be taken before those grave decisions are reached and announced cannot be completed so hurriedly, and it would be wrong for me to undertake that, as a general rule, the period will be shortened.
§ Mr. DaviesWithout pressing my right hon. Friend unduly, might I ask whether he could give some explanation of the delay in this particular case?
§ Mr. MorrisonThere was no undue delay. This case followed the normal procedure. It did not have the accelerated procedure, because I did not think it right that it should. This was a murder. One has to have some sympathy with the murdered as well as with the murderers—perhaps just as much. But I think that, if my hon. Friend checks up, he will find that there was no undue delay.
§ Mr. DaviesI hope my right hon. Friend does not suggest that I have no sympathy with the murdered?
§ Mr. MorrisonNot in the least. But I have to consider both sides. I think that my hon. Friend's inquiries are usually directed on behalf of the guilty person.