11. Mr. POINTERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Wolverhampton bench of magistrates recently sentenced a boy of ten years to receive six strokes of the birch rod; whether while an adult may not be birched unless certified as fit by a medical man there is no such provision for the protection of a young person; and whether he can see his way to take the necessary steps to abolish this kind of corporal punishment?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have inquired into the circumstances of the case referred to. I am not aware of any provision of law requiring either children or adults birched by the sentence of a court of law to be 126 medically certified; but it is the obvious duty of any court not to order a sentence of corporal punishment unless it is satisfied that it can properly be inflicted, and the court was so satisfied in the case in question. I see no reason for any action in the direction indicated.
§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESMay I ask why, as the law cannot be enforced in the case of an adult without medical inspection, a child should not be equally protected?
§ Mr. McKENNAI would ask the hon. Gentleman to give notice of the question.
§ Sir W. BYLESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in the opinion of the Home Office, a child of ten years old could be so criminal as to require this form of punishment?
§ Mr. McKENNAI believe the parents have had considerable difficulty with the child.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask whether it would not be possible to require that the members of benches of Justices who order birching should be present at the infliction of the punishment?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no reason to suppose that the infliction of the punishment is not carried out properly.