HC Deb 02 July 1953 vol 517 cc577-8
33. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the Report of the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment.

47. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now state when the Report of the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment will be published.

49. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet received the Report of the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment.

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

My right hon. and learned Friend is informed that he may expect to receive the Report of the Royal Commission before the end of the month. It will be presented to Parliament and published as soon as possible thereafter.

Mr. Robinson

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance that in considering this Report his right hon. and learned Friend will not exclude from his mind the question of the abolition of the death penalty, even though the Royal Commission have been specifically precluded from making this recommendation?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I think that that question goes far beyond the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I have been asking Questions on this subject for months and getting the same kind of answer? Is he aware that this is a life and death matter, a very urgent matter which should be attended to urgently? Will he bring some pressure to bear on the Royal Commission to see that they report immediately?

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

As the end of the month means the end of the Session will my hon. and learned Friend see whether the Report can be presented to Parliament and published during the Recess?

Sir H. Lucas-Tooth

I think that the answer is in the affirmative, but I will see that my right hon. and learned Friend is aware of my noble Friend's question.