§ 43. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to transfer the responsibility for advising on the exercise of the Royal prerogative of mercy from the Secretary of State for the Home Department to a committee to be appointed by and responsible to Parliament.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The exercise of the prerogative on advice other than that of a Minister of the Crown would be contrary to long established constitutional practice.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Prime Minister realise that the present system places an invidious burden on one man, raises grave public doubts, is bad for the administration of justice, has not reduced crime, 1371 and is prejudicial to public order? Will he take those items into account in considering the position, with a view to devising something better than the present inadequate system?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. and learned Member's Question is very wide. He suggests that the exercise of the prerogative in all matters should be transferred to a committee of Parliament. I assumed in framing my reply that he meant on capital offences.