§ 2.36 p.m.
§ BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will now consider the repeal of Section 5 (1) (a) and (b) of the Homicide Act, 1957.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT KILMUIR)My Lords, my right honourable friends the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland are keeping the working of the Homicide Act, 1957, under close and constant review. The consequences of the Act can be assessed only over a substantial period, since the homicide rate normally fluctuates considerably from year to year and is affected by a number of factors, of which the effect of the death penalty is only one. In the Government's view it is too early to review the solution reached after much discussion less than four years ago, or to consider the repeal of the provisions to which the noble Lady refers.
§ BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGERMy Lords, in thanking the noble and learned Viscount for his Answer, from which I would take what encouragement I may, I should Eke to remind him that he, more than anybody else, must know that when the Bill was passed through Parliament these particular provisions were included as a defence against the professional criminal. Can the noble and learned Viscount tell the House whether the persons convicted under this section have predominantly been professional criminals.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I have not the comparative figures. If the noble Lady will put down that Question, I shall be pleased to get the best information I can. I have extracted the figures of the category, but that does not give the answer to her question. I am sorry that I cannot give her the information now.
§ BARONESS WOOTTON OF ABINGERMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble and learned Viscount.