HC Deb 23 July 1931 vol 255 cc1704-5W
Mr. MANDER

asked the Home Secretary how many persons were sentenced to death in the six months ended 30th June, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 1931, respectively; how many of such persons were reprieved; and how many were executed, respectively?

Mr. CLYNES

The figures are given in the following table:

Half Year Jan.-June. Number sentenced. Executed. Reprieved.
1928 13 9 4
1929 9 4 5
1930 7 3 4*
1931 8† 3 3‡
* Includes one certified insane and removed to Broadmoor.
† Includes two cases awaiting final decision.
‡ Includes one case where conviction was quashed on appeal.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

asked the Home Secretary what percentage of those persons convicted of murder in England and Wales during the last 10 years have been recommended to mercy by the jury; and what percentage of those persons so recommended have been executed?

Mr. CLYNES

The required figures are 33⅓ per cent. and approximately 24 per cent.

Mr. BECKETT

asked the Home Secretary whether there is any change in the prison routine on the morning of an execution; and whether prisoners are confined to their cells until the execution is over or whether they are employed in the workshops in the ordinary way?

Mr. CLYNES

Whether prisoners are in their cells or in the workshop depends on the time fixed by the Sheriff. In some recent cases the Sheriffs have fixed 9 a.m. and at that time prisoners are in the workshops. In any case, as little change as practicable is made in the ordinary routine.

Mr. BECKETT

asked the Home Secretary what is the standard rate of pay to executioners and assistant executioners, respectively?

Mr. CLYNES

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to-day to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. Griffith).