§ MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N.W.)asked the Lord Advocate, If he has seen the statement in the Scotch papers that a boy, James O'Neill, sentenced to be whipped at Coatbridge, was sent to Glasgow to receive the whipping; and, whether this was a violation of the Regulations laid down by the Lord Advocate?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)The Regulations state that the punishment is to be inflicted in such police office or cell or other suitable place, if possible, within or adjoining the Court House, as shall be fixed by the Sheriff; and the Sheriff is directed to see that such place is provided. But great difficulty arises from its being often impossible to find any person who will undertake the duty in the place where the trial takes place; while the Police Authorities dispute the right of the Lord Advocate to make a Regulation ordering police constables to act. The County Authorities also object to the right of any officer of 549 State to order the punishment to be carried out on their premises.