§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the resolution from Dumbarton urging the Government to abolish birching as a punishment for juvenile offenders; and when the Government intend to introduce legislation to prohibit this method of dealing with youthful delinquents?
§ Mr. ElliotI have received a number of representations against the birching of juvenile offenders, one of which came from the Dumbarton Branch of the Scottish Co-operative Women's Guild. Pending consideration of the forthcoming report of the Departmental Committee on Corporal Punishment I am not in a position to make any statement regarding legislation.