§ 55. Mr. FREEMANasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to a case of a schoolboy, aged 14, who fainted after receiving a number of strokes from the birch; and whether he intends to take any action to prohibit such punishment?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANI have seen a newspaper report of the proceedings in this case, but, as I understand that an appeal is pending, I am not in a position to make any comment upon it.
§ Mr. FREEMANMay I ask whether any medical examination is available before punishment?
§ Sir C TREVELYANNo, Sir.
§ Mr. FREEMANMay I ask that school children may be safeguarded in this matter?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANI think the teachers of the country generally are to be trusted.
§ Mr. FREEMANMay I ask whether there is always an inquiry into the state of health of the child before punishment is inflicted?