HC Deb 15 December 1922 vol 159 cc3371-2W
Mr. AMMON

asked the Home Secretary whether, in considering cases in which he is urged to advise His Majesty to exercise the Royal clemency in regard to a prisoner sentenced to death for murder, he acts solely upon his own judgment as to the merits of the case, or after consultation with the judge who sentenced the prisoner, or whether he takes due cognisance of the weight of public opinion as expressed by the people who may have signed petitions?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The advice to be given to His Majesty as to the exercise of the prerogative of mercy must depend ultimately upon the judgment of the Home Secretary. In forming that judgment he has regard to all the circumstances of each individual case, including, of course, any representations that may be made to him by petition or otherwise on behalf of the prisoner.