§ 17. Mr. McSHANEasked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to institute an inquiry into the entire question of juvenile offenders and the proceedings of juvenile courts?
§ Mr. CLYNESI would remind my hon. Friend that the ground has already been covered by the Departmental Committee on the Treatment of Young Offenders, which was appointed by my predecessor in 1925, and which issued its report in 1927. It is the intention of the Government to give effect to the recommendations of this Committee as soon as time can be found for the necessary legislation.
§ 18. Mr. McSHANEasked the Home Secretary whether, in the recent Chelmsford Juvenile Court case, the elder defendant has been sent to an industrial school; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have this boy released and placed on probation?
§ Mr. CLYNESThis boy was remanded until the 4th July for inquiries, and the justices then decided to place him on probation. No question of his release arises.
§ 25. Mr. W. J. BROWNasked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to prevent magistrates sentencing children of less than 14 years to corporal punishment by the birch?
§ Mr. CLYNESI cannot undertake to introduce special legislation on this sub- 2381 ject but as stated on previous occasions the Government intends to introduce a Bill to amend the Children Act when the state of public business permits and an opportunity will then be given for discussing this particular proposal.
§ Mr. BROWNDoes the report to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred include a recommendation for the abolition of corporal punishment in the case of young persons?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am not certain as to an actual recommendation for its abolition, but the subject is referred to, and I will look into it.