HL Deb 25 May 1948 vol 155 cc905-6

2.35 p.m.

LORD SALTOUN

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Government the question standing on the Order Paper in the name of my noble friend, Lord Bertie of Thame.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government what penalties have been substituted for the sentence of death on those found guilty of murder in each of those European countries which have abolished the death sentence.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT JOWITT)

My Lords, information as to the position in European countries was given in the Report of the Select Committee on Capital Punishment, which reported in 1930. Inquiries have recently been made of a number of those countries with a view to obtaining information about any changes which have taken place since the information published in that Report was supplied, and His Majesty's Government will make available any additional information which may be received as a result of those inquiries.

LORD SALTOUN

On behalf of my noble friend, I thank the noble and learned Viscount for his answer.