§ 17. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a resolution lately passed by the Salford magistrates, asking that Courts of Summary Jurisdiction be empowered to sentence youths of sixteen to twenty-one to detention in a Borstal institution instead of sending them to a common gaol; and whether it is in his power to accede to this request?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)I have received this resolution. It could only be carried out by legislation, and I doubt whether Parliament would consent to give to ordinary Courts of Summary Jurisdiction the very drastic powers which are suggested, but I am considering proposals for the amendment of the law which would go a long way in the direction which the magistrates desire.
§ Colonel YATEWill the right hon. Gentleman also consider the question of giving these juvenile offenders the birch instead of sending them to gaol?
§ Mr. McKENNAI should like to have notice of that question.