asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons have been charged with murder in the last 20 years in Scotland; and how many were executed.

In Scotland, during the years 1928 to 1947, proceedings were taken for murder against 180 persons, of whom 121 were called for trial. Twenty-five persons were convicted and sentenced to death; five were executed.

Is it not true to say that between the wars capital punishment in Scotland was virtually in abeyance, and no executions were carried out? Will my right hon. Friend place the facts before the Home Secretary, in view of tomorrow's Debate?

That might equally prove how great a deterrent it was to the people of Scotland against committing murder.

Does my right hon. Friend's original answer mean that his Department divides the crime of murder into two degrees? If so, will he make representations to the Home Secretary?

All these cases are tried by the courts, and there were various reasons why the 20 were not actually executed.

Has the Minister any comparative figures for Scotland and England?