§ MR. H. J. TENNANT (Berwickshire)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to introduce his Bill to deal with the subject of the treatment of children in courts of summary jurisdiction; and whether the Bill will provide for separate treatment as well as for separate officers?
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) I presume that my hon. friend refers to the Bill for the appointment of probation officers and the release of youthful and other offenders on probation, which is now in draft. The Bill presents several difficult questions; but good progress has been made with it, and I hope to be in a position to introduce it shortly. With regard to the separate treatment of children's cases, the information which I have already given shows clearly how much can be done under the existing law; and I think it will be well to wait for further experience of the effect of recent Home Office action before considering whether further legislation would be useful.