HC Deb 28 November 1946 vol 430 cc1751-2
3. Mr. Leslie Hale

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether in view of the recommendation of the Select Committee on Capital Punishment that capital punishment should be suspended for a limited experimental period, he is prepared to take the necessary steps to implement this recommendation.

Mr. Ede

Legislation would be necessary to implement this recommendation and I can hold out no prospect of legislation on this subject in this Session.

Mr. Hale

While I appreciate that answer, is it possible for the Home Secretary to give some indication of the Government's opinion on this matter in view of the fact that the administration of justice Bill had to be held over, although we understand the reasons for that?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir, not in answer to a supplementary question.

Mr. E. P. Smith

Will the Minister assure the House that no decision will be taken on this matter before the House has had a full opportunity to discuss it?

Mr. Ede

Clearly the law would have to be altered, and that cannot be done except with the consent of the House.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend have this matter reconsidered in the light of the most recent researches and having regard to the needs of today?

Mr. Ede

This matter is under review in connection with contemplated legislation.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is the Home Secretary aware that a Select Committee appointed by the Labour Government decided in 1925 not to issue an alternative Report only by the casting vote of the Chairman?

Mr. Ede

We are bound by a majority.