§ MR. CHARLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been directed to the evidence adduced at the trial of a baby farmer, named Bessy Binmore, sentenced by Mr. Justice Lush at the Exeter Assizes to twelve years' penal servitude for starving to death an infant entrusted to her care, that three other infants entrusted to her care had died in her house during the previous eighteen months, and that her house was unregistered under "The Infant Life Protection Act, 1872," (35 and 36 Vic. c. 38); also to the statement of the learned Judge at the trial that "baby farming had of late prevailed to such an extent that it was necessary to vigorously suppress or efficiently regulate it;" and, whether he is willing to issue a circular to the local authorities named in the Schedule to the Infant Life Protection Act, calling upon them to enforce that enactment in their respective districts?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS, in reply, said, his attention had been called to the case. Mr. Justice Lush informed him that the case was a very bad one, and in consequence he had found it necessary to pass a severe sentence; and that in the course of the trial he had expressed his surprise that the local authorities had not provided any register, and that no means had been used to put in force the Act of 1872. It was to be hoped that the case would awaken attention among local authorities to the requirements of the Act, and that a register would be provided. Before issuing 146 a Circular, as requested by the hon. and learned Gentleman, the best way would be for him to move for a Return of all the baby farms which had been registered. If he did so, he (Mr. Cross) would not object to it.
§ MR. CHARLEYgave Notice that he would move for such a Return.