§ 80. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the number of punishments by caning in the Navy shows any diminution; whether the practice is reserved for grave offences only; and whether he can now see his way to issue a Yearly Return of the number of canings inflicted?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo record is kept at the Admiralty of the number of canings, and it is therefore impossible to say whether or not there has been a diminution. There has, however, been no change in the Regulations governing the offences for which caning is allowed. I may add that the whole subject of punishments is engaging the attention of the Committee on Naval Discipline.
§ Sir W. BYLESDoes the hon. Gentleman remember that the predecessor of the present First Lord promised to take into consideration the question of giving us an Annual Return of the number of canings? At that time it came out that one in every three boys was subject to this kind of punishment.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI know that the predecessor of my right hon. Friend promised to give the matter his consideration, but I do not know that he ever made any other offer.
§ Sir W. BYLESThat is what I said; has he done it?