§ MR. A. M'ARTHURasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is true, as stated in the "Times" of January 31st, that a little girl only six or seven years of age has been committed to Newgate Prison on a charge of passing counterfeit coins at the instigation of her mother; and, if so, whether he can take any steps towards providing a more suitable place of custody for the said child of tender years than a criminal gaol?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, the girl was committed to Newgate in the ordinary way, and no blame can be attached to the magistrate. Objecting, as I do, to see children in a prison, I have taken upon myself to order that the child should at once be removed to a workhouse, where she will be detained until the time of her trial.