§ MR. JENNINGSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been called to the large number of summonses issued against parents of the poorest class for not sending their children to school, these summonses in many instances resulting in imprisonment; and, whether he is disposed to instruct the magistrates to show greater consideration and leniency in their power to inflict imprisonment, especially in cases where illness or great poverty occasions the non-attendance of children?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CHILDERS)As far as the Home Office is aware, there is no reason to believe that the law is being administered with harshness, or without due regard to all the circumstances of each case. I, therefore, see no occasion to issue instructions to the magistrates with respect to their duties in this matter.
§ MR. JENNINGSsaid, that as there were 40 summonses before the Police Courts lately he would ask the Question again on Monday.