HC Deb 19 October 1995 vol 264 cc475-6
15. Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to revise Government policy on punishment for criminals who kill in the course of committing a crime. [36520]

Mr. Maclean

There are no plans to review existing policy.

Mrs. Gorman

Will my right hon. Friend accept the congratulations of my constituents on the pledge given by the Home Secretary last week at the Conservative party conference that second offenders in violent crime will in future probably receive a life sentence? Will my right hon. Friend acknowledge that persons who commit violent acts or murder while committing a crime should receive the death penalty?

Mr. Maclean

My hon. Friend knows my personal views on capital punishment. We probably differ only at the drawing and quartering stage. She knows also, however, that it is not a matter for Government determination; capital punishment is one for the will of the House. The House has made its intentions clear over the years and the Government have no intention of attempting to change that policy.