HC Deb 09 March 1882 vol 267 cc451-2
BARON HENRY DE WORMS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, in view of the prevalence of aggravated assaults, he will introduce a Bill this Session for the purpose of amending the provisions of the Act 26 and 27 Vic. c. 44, so as to extend the punishment of flogging to persons convicted of such assaults, thereby rendering them liable to the same punishment as that inflicted under the said Act on persons committed for assaults with intent to rob?

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT

Sir, this matter was very carefully considered in 1875, when my Predecessor in Office introduced a Bill having the object indicated by the hon. Member. There was a Blue Book laid on the Table with the opinions of Judges, magistrates, and other authorities in regard to extending the punishment of flogging. After that Bill was discussed in this House the late Government very wisely, I think, abandoned it, and I do not propose to re-introduce it.