§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Major Gwilym Lloyd-George)Further to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said a little earlier, I think the House would appreciate it if I made the following statement on behalf of the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself.
The Secretary of State for Scotland and I have considered what course we ought to adopt in considering in future the cases of persons sentenced to death. It would be unconstitutional for us to abrogate capital punishment by administrative action in anticipation of the amendment of the law and it is our duty to apply our minds to the circumstances of each particular case. Each case will be considered on its merits, regard being had to the special considerations relating to that case and all relevant considerations of either a public or private nature.