HC Deb 22 February 1955 vol 537 cc141-2W
117. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment concerning Scotland have already been implemented and on which action is proceeding.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The recommendations already implemented relate to certain considerations to be borne in mind in deciding whether in particular cases the prerogative should be exercised; to the arrangements for executions; and to the periods of detention, and the obligations on release, of reprieved murderers. Those on which action is proceeding relate to the conditions of detention for prisoners condemned to death and for prisoners who have been reprieved.

118. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which recommendations involving legislation of the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment affecting the law of Scotland are now being considered.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The recommendations under consideration relate to the law regarding provocation; the age limit below which a person may not be sentenced to death; the treatment of mental deficiency and insanity for the purposes of a special plea and a special defence; the empowering of the judge to call evidence about the issue of insanity; the empowering of the jury to decide in any case whether imprisonment for life should be substituted for the death penalty; and the fixing of the date of execution. All these recommendations except the last also affect England and Wales.