§ 4. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the law relating to suicide and attempted suicide.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI am not satisfied that any change in the law is desirable.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Home Secretary aware of the considerable and growing opinion in the medical and legal professions, and among the general public, that the legal view of suicide is more and more at odds with society? Has not the time come to take this matter completely outside the category of criminal offences?
§ Mr. ButlerI would reply as follows the present concept of suicide as a crime has its roots in religious belief. Although it is true that there is greater sympathy and understanding for suicides and would-be suicides, there is no evidence in my possession that the alteration of the basic concept would be universally acceptable to public opinion. I do not under-estimate the point that the hon. Gentleman has put to me; I am simply trying to assess the present position.