HC Deb 23 February 1956 vol 549 cc557-8
32. Mr. Hyde

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons are officially qualified to perform the duties of executioner and assistant executioner; how they are recruited; what preliminary training they undergo before they are regarded as proficient in these duties; what their terms of service are; and what payments they receive for attending and officiating at executions.

Major Lloyd-George

The answer to the first part of the Question is six. As the other information required is rather lengthy, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Hyde

In view of the decisive vote of this House that capital punishment should be brought to an end forthwith—[An HON. MEMBER: "Not decisive."]—would my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether he proposes to make any appropriate form of compensation to these gentlemen for the loss of their offices?

Major Lloyd-George

I would get into serious trouble if I decided to start compensating them now.

An Hon. Member

Give them the rope.

Mr. McKibbin

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend not consider that if my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Hyde) and those associated with him showed some sympathy with the relatives of the murdered people instead of with the murderers, it would be more in keeping with their alleged humanitarian ideas?

Following is the information The Prison Commissioner's list contains six persons, all qualified to act either as executioner or as assistant executioner. There are usually eight; two appointments are pending. Any person may apply to the Commissioners to be an executioner. When there is a vacancy, applicants who appear suitable are called for interview and medical examination. The selected applicant is then given one week's training at Pentonville Prison, is allowed to witness an execution, and then takes part in executions as an assistant. If his conduct is satisfactory, his name is placed on the list which is made available to all sheriffs, who can select any person from it. Persons remain on the list as long as they wish, provided they remain efficient. Their terms of service require them to be ready to act when called upon, to remain in the prison from 4 p.m. the day before until after the execution, to be discreet and to avoid publicity. Reports are submitted by the Governor and medical officer. The fee for assistant executioners is five guineas. The fee for the executioner is a matter for the sheriff who. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, may claim up to fifteen guineas in his Bill of Cravings. In both cases, board and lodging are provided and travelling expenses are paid.