HC Deb 14 May 1925 vol 183 cc2053-4W
Mr. J. BEDKETT

asked the Home Secretary why the governor of a prison can make no statement as to confession of a person executed?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

It is impossible for a prison governor to state definitely that a prisoner has made no confession. On the other hand, if the prisoner has made a confession to him, it may be in somewhat ambiguous terms, or only partly true, or it may have been coupled with a request that it should not be made public. Upon these and other grounds, I am satisfied that the long-established rule in this matter is a sound one, and should be maintained.

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