MR. LABOUCHEEEasked the Vice President of the Committee of Council, Whether his attention has been called to the action of the School Board at Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire, with respect to a boy named Lester, whose parent was informed, on his being suspected of stealing a cap, that he must either submit to a flogging, or to a prosecution for theft; and, whether it is open to a School Board to submit such alternatives to the parents of children attending Board Schools?
§ MR. MUNDELLAThere has been an investigation of this case by the magistrates at the Northampton Petty Sessions, where the schoolmaster was summoned for assaulting the boy Lester. The case appears to have been fully inquired into—both parties being represented by counsel—and the magistrates dismissed the charge. The mother having consented to the flogging, it was administered in the presence of the Rev. J. Harrison, the Chairman of the Board and Rector of the parish. The matter having been decided by the magistrates, I do not see that there is any case in which I can interfere.