§ MR. HADEIELD moved for leave to introduce a Bill to abolish punishment by Whipping for Offences committed by Criminal Prisoners, and to amend so much of an Act for the more speedy trial and punishment of Juvenile Offenders as relates to the Whipping of Offenders. He said the House was aware that the Legislature had already made considerable alterations in criminal law, and these alterations necessitated additional Legislation upon the subject. He therefore introduced this Bill, to which the Home Secretary had no objection. 101 He would postpone the second reading to the 26th inst., and he hoped that the law would he amended so as to relieve the country from those grievous statements upon this subject which last year affected public feelings and opinion.
§ SIR GEORGE GREY, in consenting to the introduction of the Bill, desired not to be understood as assenting to the principle that corporeal punishments could in all cases be abolished. The disturbances in the Chatham prison last year showed that it was necessary that the power should be reserved. He believed there were instances when whipping might be advantageously practised. He admitted that from the returns laid before Parliament last Session it was evident that a great diversity of punishment prevailed in different gaols, and he had instituted inquiries upon the subject: with a view to explain the matter to the House.
§ Leave given.
§ Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. HADFIELD, Mr. KINNAIRD, Mr. BRISCOE, and Sir FREDERIC SMITH.
§ Bill presented and road 1o,