§ 38. Mr. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in view of the recent decision of the House 596 on the death penalty, if he will introduce legislation radically to alter the period and conditions of the life sentence that is being imposed in place of capital punishment, to strengthen the deterrent effects of this much modified form of punishment, in view of the increasing acts of criminal violence.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)No amendment of the law would be required to effect such purposes as my hon. Friend appears to have in mind. Under the existing law a life sentence authorises the detention of a prisoner for the whole of his life, however long that period may be, and the conditions under which sentences are served can be regulated by rules under the Prison Act, 1898.
§ Mr. HarrisonIs it not the case that my right hon. Friend will have to amend his policy in dealing with convicted murderers, because it must be borne in mind, as I am sure he does bear in mind, that since the decision referred to in the Question was made by this House he has changed his policy towards convicted murderers?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. I do not think I shall have to change any policy. Each case will be considered on its merits from time to time, as the sentence is being served.
§ Mr. HarrisonWill my right hon. Friend forgive me for asking whether his policy since that decision has been radically changed when dealing with convicted murderers? Those murderers are automatically reprieved from hanging.
§ Mr. EdeThe Question relates to what is to happen to a prisoner who is sentenced, either by the judge or by commutation, to imprisonment for life. The policy on that matter has not been changed, and each case will, as has been the case ever since imprisonment for life has been upon the Statute Book, be considered on its merits from time to time.