HC Deb 18 April 1910 vol 16 cc1686-7
Mr. MULDOON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the advisability of providing in the regulations to be issued under the Children Act, 1908, that where whipping is ordered by courts of summary jurisdiction, this punishment shall be delayed until one day after a certified copy of the order made by the court has been; furnished to his Department?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Children Act gives no power to make regulations on the subject, nor has the Secretary of State otherwise any power to delay, in the manner suggested, the execution of lawful orders given by a competent court.

Mr. O'DOWD

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of recent disclosures, he will consider the advisability of abolishing the use of the birch as a mode of punishment in the cases of juvenile offenders?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Secretary of State has not been informed of any recent disclosures that point to the advisability of abolishing the birch as a mode of correcting juvenile offenders. He believes the use of the birch is regarded in certain cases of juvenile offenders as an appropriate form of punishment.

Mr. O'DOWD

Is it not a fact that a youth who was birched in Pentonville Prison two months ago died a day or two afterwards; and, if so, has any inquiry been made?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I cannot say, but I shall be glad to make inquiry.

Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the use of the birch makes the boys any better?