§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that boys under eighteen are liable to birching over the bare back, not exceeding twenty-four blows, and caning on the back, with clothes on, the number of blows not to exceed twelve: that these punishments are inflicted by the ship's police, and in the presence of the boys on board ship; that the offences for which boys are liable to caning or birching comprise every offence against discipline and the slightest faults; and that it is stated in 759 of the King's Regulations for the Navy that birches are to be supplied from the dockyard and the callings are to be inflicted with light and ordinary canes, specimens of these birches and canes will be placed for the inspection of Members in one of the rooms of this House; and whether the Admiralty authorities are prepared to recommend any alteration in the present system of birchings and caning for trivial offences.
§ * THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. PRETYMAN,) Suffolk. WoodbridgeThe answer to both parts of the Question is in the negative.
§ MB. SWIFT MACNEILLAm I right in saying that these punishments have to be inflicted in the presence of all the boys on board ship?
§ * MR. PRETYMANYes, Sir, that is the regulation, but the hon. Member is not absolutely right in all his own particulars.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI will give the hon. Gentleman an opportunity to put me right when the Vote for the salary of the First Lord is debated?