§ 40. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Home Secretary whether Mr. Denman, on the 28th ultimo, at the Marlborough Street Police Court, committed to the Sessions a youth of sixteen, charged with improper conduct, as an incorrigible rogue and vagabond, expressing, with an oath, the hope that the Sessional magistrates would order him to be flogged; whether it is the view of the Home Office that such a punishment is calculated to instil into the boy's mind ideas of purity and virtue; and what is the minimum age at which a boy may become incorrigible within the meaning of the legal term?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have inquired into this case, and have received from the magistrate a report, in which he says: "Having only too often of late been 1712 obliged to descant upon the appalling increase in this neighbourhood in crimes of this shocking character, I took this opportunity of pointing out how inadequate at present are the powers of the magistrates to suppress them; and I did (not with an oath as suggested, but with fervent and heartfelt emphasis) express the hope that the Sessions would inflict corporal punishment for second offences, stating it to be my firm conviction, founded on many years' experience at this Court, that the power to inflict and in proper cases the infliction of that form of punishment for this class of crime has become a great necessity in the public interest." In view of the evidence given in this case, I am not surprised that he should express himself strongly. The Vagrancy Act does not fix any age limit for the conviction of an offender as an incorrigible rogue.
§ Sir W. BYLESIs it, or is it not, an oath to say, "I wish to God they would flog him"?
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask whether the use of the knout would not be more appropriate than the use of the "cat"?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir.
72. Mr. HENDERSONasked if the Home Secretary, for the information of Members of the House, will have exhibited in the Library or the Tea Room the instrument and the frame by which flogging is administered to prisoners?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not think any useful purpose would be served by such an exhibition.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs it not possible to have photographs or pictures of the various forms of torture employed in other countries so that hon. Members may make their selection?
§ Mr. J. M. HENDERSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think that the Members of the House should have the opportunity of seeing the instrument of flogging before they give a vote?
§ Mr. PIRIEMay I ask whether it is not the duty of hon. Members to visit the places and see the details for themselves?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf my hon. Friend, or any hon. Member, is anxious to see the instrument I shall be very happy to show him specimens at the Home Office. I may 1713 say to my hon. Friend that the birch in use is the ordinary kind in use, and very familiar to schoolboys.