§ 9. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will discontinue the practice of posting outside the prison gates a notice of the execution of a death sentence for murder.
§ 23. Mr. Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now take steps to end the practice of posting notices of impending executions and executions on prison gates.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe posting of these notices is required by law, but the point has been noted for amending legislation.
§ Mr. FletcherWhilst welcoming that reply, may I ask whether the Home Secretary agrees that it is very largely the existence of these practices which causes such ghoulish scenes as occurred outside Holloway Gaol when Mrs. Ellis was executed recently? Would he see to the introduction of amending legislation as soon as possible?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am very sympathetic to that point, and I shall do all I can.
§ Mr. ShepherdWhilst welcoming the impending end of the last fragment of the public execution, may I ask when my right hon. and gallant Friend expects to introduce this Measure?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThere are several other matters, too, as my hon. Friend knows. I referred to them in the debate which we had last February. They will need further consideration, but I shall introduce legislation as soon as I can.