HC Deb 12 April 1910 vol 16 cc1077-8
Mr. MULDOON

asked 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. CHURCHILL

I have seen a report in the newspapers, and have telegraphed to make inquiry without delay.

Mr. MULDOON

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will take steps to prevent the birch-rod being applied in the meantime?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Whether the telegram-will arrive in time to prevent that I cannot say, but the whole case will be inquired into.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Provided 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. CHURCHILL

Certainly. 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.