§ 42. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet received the report of the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment; and when it will be made available.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Major Sir David Maxwell Fyfe)No, Sir. I understand that the report will not be ready for some months.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the life and death importance of this, can the Home Secretary do anything to expedite the report of this Commission, which has now been sitting for many years?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeThe hon. and learned Gentleman has by his form of words emphasised the importance of the subject. How long the Commission take must be a matter for them, and I hope that we shall get a full and satisfactory report as a basis for our thoughts and discussions.
§ Mr. HaleCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say how many times this Commission has met in the two or three years since it has been appointed?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am afraid I should require notice of that question.