§ 60. Mr. FREEMANasked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions have taken place during the last 12 months of children under eight years old; in how many cases has corporal punishment been inflicted as a result; what was the most severe punishment; and whether any medical examination takes place before corporal punishment is inflicted?
§ Mr. SHORTMy right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot give the information asked for, but as my hon. Friend is aware no child under seven can be brought before a Court for an offence. The total number of children and young persons under 16 brought before the Juvenile Courts in 1928 was 22,749, and of these only 172, or 76 per cent., were ordered to be whipped.
Viscountess ASTORDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that sometimes a whipping is the kindest thing that you can give?