§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether cat-o'-nine-tails and birches, approved by the naval authorities in accordance with the King's Regulations, weighing nine ounces, and canes likewise similarly approved, of a half-inch in thickness, three feet in length, and two ounces in weight, are supplied from the dockyards and form part of the equipment of ships of war and naval training ships for the flogging of men and boys.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. PRETYMAN,) Suffolk, WoodbridgeThe Answer is "Yes," but the use of the cat has been suspended by regulation since 1881.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLBut are these instruments kept as a matter of precaution on every ship of war.
§ MR. PRETYMANI have already answered that Question.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWhat was the Answer?
§ MR. PRETYMAN"Yes, but their use is suspended."