HC Deb 31 January 1929 vol 224 cc1107-8
4. Mr. TAYLOR

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of the Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, magistrates, who at the local juvenile court, on Wednesday 16th January last, ordered five strokes of the birch rod to be given to three 10-year old boys charged with stealing quantities of cigarettes; and whether he will introduce legislation to make the infliction of such punishment on young boys illegal?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the second part, the question of corporal punishment was considered by the Committee on the Treat- ment of Young Offenders, and I agree with their recommendation that the power should be preserved.

Mr. TAYLOR

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this sentence has been fully carried out?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I imagine that it must have been. I have not complete information on this matter, but I imagine that these sentences are carried out at any rate very soon after they are given.

Captain CROOKSHANK

May I ask, in the first place, whether Gainsborough is not a sufficiently important town not to require the addition of "Lincolnshire" in its description; and, secondly, whether, in cases like this, my right hon. Friend's functions are not limited to advising the Royal Prerogative of mercy? Would that be of any use in this case?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

If the sentence has been carried out, it obviously would not be.