§ Colonel YATEasked whether, in view of the fact that 1,620 men were convicted under the Vagrancy Act as incorrigible rogues by quarter sessions during the past three years, and also the fact that there is no immediate prospect of legislation being proposed to deal with the habitual vagrant, steps will be taken to discourage the habitual rogue and vagabond by making more stringent use of the powers already conferred under the Vagrancy Act?
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLBefore the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask him is he aware that the principal provision of the Vagrancy Act is for allowing the cruel and revolting infliction of flogging?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. That is not the principal provision, and it is a provision not frequently made use of. I am fully aware of the difficulties of dealing with this question, but I fear I cannot take any step in the direction suggested by the hon. Member. The experience of the Home Office is that the justices in quarter session do generally make stringent though not excessive use of their existing powers.
Mr. PIKE PEASECould not the right hon. Gentleman bring in a non-controversial Bill embodying the chief recommendations of the Poor Law Commission Reports, both Majority and Minority, in reference to vagrancy?
§ Mr. McKENNAI cannot in this Session. Time is already fully allotted.