HC Deb 07 July 1823 vol 9 cc1446-7

On the order of the day for taking into consideration the Lords amendments to this bill,

Mr. Grey Bennet

said, that although the bill had been returned with numerous amendments from the other House, the only one he was disposed to quarrel with was that in which the punishment of flogging had been introduced. The clause inflicting that punishment in the original bill was wisely ejected by that House; but if it were now allowed to become a part of the law, magistrates would resort to nothing but force for the correction of those unfortunate persons confined in gaols, and every parish would have its Dr. Thwackum. For his part, he should never rest till he rescued the people of England from the beastly and barbarous punishment of flogging. Within the last seven years, the number of persons flogged in this country amounted to 6,959. It was but a short time back that two children were flogged in Newgate, and then, with their flesh torn and lacerated, they would have been sent out on the streets to thieve again, if a humane person belonging to the prison had not obtained their admission to a house of refuge. He (Mr. B.) had since visited them, and had drawings made of the state of their backs, which he intended to, get lithographed, and when painted, he should have those representations stuck up in the streets, in the hope of putting down such abominable punishment. According to the present bill, it was not to be even resorted to by way of public example, but was to be inflicted privately in holes and dungeons, without the presence of a magistrate. He should therefore, move that the words in the printed bill "or by personal correction, in cases of prisoners convicted of felony, or sentenced to hard labour," be left out.

The House divided. For the Amendment 22; against it 36.

List of the Minority.
Attwood, M. Palmer, J. F.
Bright, H. Ricardo, D.
Colburn, R. Rice, T. S.
Coffin, sir I. Smith, J.
Denman, T. Tennyson, C.
Griffith, J. W. Titchfield, marquis
Hamilton, lord A. Western, C. C.
Hobhouse, J. C. Wilberforce, W.
Hume, J. Williams, J.
Hutchinson, C. H. TELLERS.
Jones, J. Bennet, hon. H. G.
Mackintosh, sir J. Lushington, Dr.
Monck, C. B.