The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1979-1983 Parliament

Mr Major’s Written Question on Capital Punishment – 17 July 1979

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Commons question regarding capital punishment, made on 17th July 1979.


Mr. Major asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has held consultations with the Association of Chief Constables to determine their views upon the restoration of capital punishment; and whether he will issue a statement.

Mr. Whitelaw I have taken no steps to ascertain formally the views on this subject of the Association of Chief Police Officers: but I understand that chief officers of police hold differing views on the question of the re-introduction of capital punishment.