HC Deb 07 August 1905 vol 151 cc369-70
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether there has been any change or modification of No. 759 of the King's Naval Regulations which provides that the birching of boys in the Royal Navy is to be inflicted with birches supplied from the dockyards, is to be given over the bare breech, is limited to twenty-four cuts or blows, and is to be inflicted by the ship's police in the presence of all the boys; and whether, if this regulation is still unchanged, what are the steps which, if taken, would secure its change or modification.

MR. PRETYMAN

No change has been made in the regulations. I should say, from my own observation, that the hon. Member is a better authority than I am as to the last part of the Question.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I am not going to do your duty.

AN HON. MEMBER

You are not paid to.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Thank God I am not. But what steps can I take to procure a change. I am entitled to an Answer to that.

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman has said no change is proposed.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

But I want to know what steps I am to take to procure a change.