HC Deb 30 June 1863 vol 171 cc1842-3

Order for Second Reading read.

VISCOUNT RAYNHAM

moved the second reading of this Bill, which was to put an end to the irregular and cruel treatment of pupils by schoolmasters and tutors, especially in national schools. He was anxious to prevent severe and permanent injuries being inflicted upon children, and the measure provided that only a birch rod should be used.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

SIR GEORGE GREY

said, this Bill was of an unnecessary and almost of a ridiculous character.

LORD EDWIN HILL-TREVOR

moved that the Bill be read that day two months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day two months."—(Lord Edwin Hill-Trevor.)

MR. BASS

called attention to the fact that corporal punishment was in practice at Harrow and Rugby; and he therefore was favourable to the Bill, as one that would put an end to a degrading practice. It was shocking to think of a young man of seventeen being subject to flogging. At this late period of the Session, however, perhaps the best plan to be adopted would be to withdraw the Bill and bring it in earlier in another Session.

MR. LYGON

said, he would be sorry to say the usual punishments of the public schools were well adapted for the purposes of discipline; but he did not think that hon. Members should go into details as to their experience of corporal punishment.

MR. CONINGHAM

protested against the continuance of corporal punishment in schools. He thought it useless and degrading.

Question, "That the word ' now' stand part of the Question," put, and negatived.

Words added.

Main Question, as amended, put, and agreed to.

Bill put off for two months.