§ 68. Mr. SORENSENasked the Home Secretary the number of male and female inhabitants, respectively, in Borstal institutions; the length of time they have to serve; the number who have attempted to escape; the percentage who earn punishment for misconduct; and whether whipping is at any time employed as a punishment?
§ Mr. CLYNESDuring 1928 the daily average population of the Borstal institutions was 1,203 males and 85 females. The sentences were from two to three years; escapes or attempted escapes by males numbered 56, and by females three. The punishments for misconduct of males numbered 977, including two birchings, and of females 64, but as some offended more or less often, and others rarely, if at all, the percentage of offenders can not be stated. Whipping cannot be ordered for females at all; or for males as an ordinary punishment, but only for such offences as gross personal violence to officers.
§ Mr. SORENSENWill the right hon. Gentleman consider Whether whipping should ever be allowed?
§ Mr. BENSONCan my right hon. Friend say whether whipping is allowed without his confirmation, or whether, as in the case of the "cat," he has to give his sanction?
§ Mr. CLYNESIt is no part of my duty, I am glad to say, to confirm these orders for whipping.
§ Major COLFOXWill the right hon. Gentleman consider that these boys, like a great many other boys in the country, would be all the better for being whipped more often?