HC Deb 28 April 1949 vol 464 c355
24. Mr. Wilson Harris

asked the Prime Minister if he will now announce the names of the Members of the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir. As my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, informed the House on Thursday, 20th January, 1949, the Chairman of the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment will be Sir Ernest Gowers, G.B.E., K.C.B. The King has now been pleased to approve the appointment of the following members of the Commission:

  • Mrs. Elizabeth Dorothea Cole Cameron, C.B.E. (As a writer, known as Elizabeth Bowen),
  • Mr. Norman Roy Fox-Andrews, K.C.,
  • Miss Florence Hancock, C.B.E.,
  • Mr. William Jones, C.B.E.,
  • Mr. Horace Macdonald,
  • Mr. John Mann, C.B.E., J.P.,
  • Sir Alexander Maxwell, G.C.B., K.B.E.,
  • Professor George Allison Montgomery, K.C.,
  • Earl Peel,
  • Professor Leon Radzinowicz and
  • Dr. Eliot Slater.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Commission embodies sufficient practical experience? Has any of these ladies and gentlemen ever served a commuted death sentence?

Mr. Morrison

Not so far as I know, Sir.

Mr. Wilson Harris

But the right hon. Gentleman will consider the idea?