HC Deb 08 July 1879 vol 247 cc1864-5
MR. MACDONALD

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If it be the intention of the Government to make the same modification of the law or practice as regards flogging in the Navy to that which was yesterday announced in respect to the Army; and, if not, what are the reasons for the continuation of such a punishment in the Navy?

THE CHANCELLOR OFF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, it is intended to put the law as regards the punishment of flogging in the Army and in the Navy on the same footing, and I believe a Bill for that purpose has already been drafted.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

said, he had received a circular that morning announcing that there would be an anti-flogging meeting in Hyde Park on Sunday. In the postscript to the circular were the words—" I have a Government cat-o'-nine tails to exhibit on the occasion." As the Chancellor of the Exchequer had said that it was objectionable that the public should see the cat, he (Sir Wilfrid Lawson) wished to ask the Home Secretary whether he proposed to prevent the exhibition on Sunday?

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

I have not had any intimation of the meeting in question.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

Will the Home Secretary take any steps to stop the exhibition of the cat, if it be so objectionable?

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

I think the matter may be left in my hands.

SIR HENRY JAMES

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will lay a Schedule upon the Table show- ing clearly what offences the punishment of flogging was to apply to; and, if not, will he lay upon the Table a Paper which would show at a glance what were the offences punishable by death? This would save all ambiguity, and Members would then be spared the necessity of searching through the Bill in order to obtain the facts.

COLONEL STANLEY,

in reply, said, whatever they did, he hoped there would be no doubt about the matter. He had hoped he made himself clear yesterday, and he pointed out that it would be difficult to move a new clause, because the words would come better on the Report on Clause 44, although the discussion might be taken upon the Schedule. In addition to the Schedule issued this morning, and in order to make the matter as clear as possible, it was his intention to prepare a separate Paper, showing all the offences for which the punishment of death could be inflicted, and he thought this would meet the views of the hon. and learned Gentleman.