HC Deb 28 February 1905 vol 141 cc1468-9
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that in August last a boy named Thomas Jones was tried by Court-martial on board the cruiser "Berwick," and convicted of the stealing of two Post Office orders and of desertion, and was sentenced to dismissal from the service, and to receive twenty-four lashes of the birch; and that this flogging, notwithstanding the dismissal of the prisoner from the Navy, was actually inflicted; and, if so, what explanation can be given by the naval authorities, having regard to the defence and justification of the flogging of boys in the Royal Navy, in the interests of the service, and for the good of the boys themselves.

MR. PRETYMAN

The facts are as stated in the first part of the hon. Member's Question. No explanation seems necessary, as the punishment was in accordance with the principles quoted by the hon. Member.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is not the hon. Gentleman well aware that punishment of that kind cannot be inflicted by a civil Court, yet it was inflicted when this boy had been dismissed the Navy.

MR. PRETYMAN

made no reply.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I must press for an Answer. I am entitled to one.

MR. PRETYMAN

The hon. Member made a statement, but did not put a Question.