}
(c)
(a)
matter which in the United Kingdom has been subject
to free votes would be difficult to defend.
The use of separate UK Orders-in-Council could not
be applied in all dependent territories. The use of
such orders, even where they could be theoretically
applied, would be objectionable on the same grounds as
the use of a UK act (see (b) above)..
The "Use" of the Prerogative of Mercy. Any general
statement that reprieves would always be granted would
be constitutionally improper, even if only for a temporary
period pending the consideration of substantive
legislation.
Even if a new policy for changing the
law were to be agreed, the public position in the meantime
concerning the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy would
have to remain on a case-by-case basis even if as a
temporary expedient and although it would be impracticable
to allow further executions to take place. (See statement
attached in Commons Hansard 23 December 1964 Col 517
by former Home Secretary).
/In order
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