§ Mr. BARRrisked the Secretary for Scotland, whether his attention has been called to the trial of John Keen and others in the High Court of Justiciary in Glasgow, when the jury brought in a verdict of guilty on the charge of murder against Keen with a strong recommendation to mercy; whether he is aware that after the Judge had pronounced sentence of death Keen was allowed to make a statement in which he declared that it had been his desire to go into the witness box to clear himself, that he had asked that privilege, and that it had not been granted; and whether steps will be taken, by legislation if necessary, to secure that in future such a statement shall be made and dealt with before the trial has concluded and not after sentence has been pronounced?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am aware of the circumstances of this case and of the 1435W incident referred to in the question. As the law stands an accused person has the right to give evidence if he so elects, a matter on which he will usually be guided by his legal advisers. In these circumstances, I see no reason for taking action on the lines suggested in the last part of the question.