§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI 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. PRETYMANNo change has been made in the regulations. I should 370 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 MACNEILLI am not going to do your duty.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThank God I am not. But what steps can I take to procure a change. I am entitled to an Answer to that.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman has said no change is proposed.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLBut I want to know what steps I am to take to procure a change.