§ 39. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a sentence of 6 strokes with the birch, to be followed later by a further 6 strokes, imposed upon a boy of 9 years of age by a justice of the Grimsby bench; and whether, in view of the probability that this child is suffering from some mental or moral defect, he will introduce legislation making it obligatory to submit such children to examination by mental experts in order that in future juvenile delinquency may be treated in a more reformative manner?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes. My attention was called to the case and I decided to advise the remission of the second sentence. I am informed that the county medical officer who examined the child recently is of opinion that he is a moral imbecile and is endeavouring to arrange for his admission to a suitable institution. Courts have power to order a medical examination, and in a recent circular to magistrates I called attention to the importance of exercising this power in cases of juvenile delinquency.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIn these cases where magistrates order birching, would it not be possible to ensure that the magistrates who give the order should be present at the birching? Would not that act as a check?
§ Mr. SHORTTIt would have to be considered, certainly.