HC Deb 13 March 1896 vol 38 c876
* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, whether flogging by the British cat-o'-nine-tails still continues in the Native Army in India.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Ealing

The instances of flogging in the Native Army are of rare exception, and average about one in 2,000 annually; but I understand the right hon. Gentleman has correctly described the instrument which is used on those very exceptional occasions.

SIR CHARLES DILKE

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether there existed any flogging by the cat-o'-nine-tails in the Egyptian Army or Egyptian police before the re-organisation of those forces during the British occupation.

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. GEORGE CURZON,) Lancashire, Southport

Before the re-organisation of the Egyptian Army there was unlimited flogging with the courbash without trial. Since 1883 there has been carefully limited flogging with the cat-o'-six-tails (not of nine) after trial.