§ 11. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions since the passing of the Homicide Act, 1957, persons originally charged with murder have been found guilty, but had this charge reduced to one of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility by virtue of a plea made under Section 2 of this Act.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerSince the Homicide Act was passed on 21st March, 1957, there have been 66 persons who were originally charged with murder but were found guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility under Section 2 of the Act.
§ Dr. JohnsonIn view of this really considerable number of people, will my right hon. Friend watch the operation of the Section carefully, as it seems that in some instances, such as the recent Birmingham murder, the more horrible the crime the lighter is the penalty inflicted through the operation of that Section?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, provided by hon. Friend realises that the law is now being interpreted as passed by Parliament, and the only way of altering it would be fresh legislation. I will certainly watch the situation, but I would rather not give any undertaking about fresh legislation at the present time.