§ 61. Mr. BOOTHasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the case of Sidney Smith, aged five years, who was charged at a London Court for wandering; if his father is a policeman in a Northern town, paying 2s. 6d. a week under a bastardy order; whether the boy will be placed in an industrial school, or if the suggestion will be considered of boarding out; and, if so, will the 2s. 6d. be devoted towards the cost of his maintenance?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)I find on inquiry that this case is now on remand with a view to a place in an industrial school being found for the boy. The payments made by the reputed father are under an agreement and not under a bastardy order. Under Section 53 of the Children Act the managers of an industrial school have power to board out children sent to the school under the age of eight, and under Sections 75 and 125 the Court has power to order the putative father to contribute towards the child's maintenance.
§ 62. Mr. BOOTHasked the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to the cases of K. D. and J. D., of Brixton, aged six and seven years, who have been taken charge of by the officers of the Children Act for residing in a house used by prostitutes; whether the police have taken any action in the matter; if both girls are suffering from contagious skin disease; and if he is aware where the children now are?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy attention had not been called to these cases, but I have ascertained on inquiry that the initial action was taken by the police. The children have been certified by the London County Council medical officer to be healthy, and free from any complaint, and are in an industrial school.