§ Mr. MULDOONasked the Home Secretary a question, of which he had given him private notice, namely, whether he has seen a report of a charge against a little boy before the Haywards Heath Bench yesterday of stealing a piece of coal, value 5d., for which he was sentenced to six strokes of the birch rod and detention in a reformatory till he was sixteen years of age, and, further, that a sum of 2s. 6d. per week was to be paid by his father during the period of his detention towards his maintenance; whether this was not the boy's first offence, and whether Inspector Brooman gave evidence before sentence was pronounced to the effect that the boy had been suspected for a considerable time, and whether this evidence was not grossly illegal and unfair; and whether he intends to take any, and if so what, steps in the matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have seen a report in the newspapers, and have telegraphed to make inquiry without delay.
§ Mr. MULDOONMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will take steps to prevent the birch-rod being applied in the meantime?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWhether the telegram-will arrive in time to prevent that I cannot say, but the whole case will be inquired into.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINProvided the birching has not already taken place, will the fact that the telegram has been sent be sufficient to prevent it until the inquiry has been held? I hope so.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCertainly. I must not be understood to express any opinion at the present moment. I have no information on the subject, and know nothing except what I have read in the newspapers. I have telegraphed for information, and when my telegram arrives it will suspend all action. But meanwhile I do not express any opinion as to the propriety of the infliction of corporal punishment under the circumstances. The inquiry will be full.