HC Deb 21 April 1932 vol 264 cc1617-8
10. Mr. HANNON

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the recent robberies by bandits, he will adopt measures for the extended organisation of police effort in the prevention of such crime and the arrest of criminals; and if he con- templates the introduction of legislation for the use of corporal punishment following upon conviction in these cases?

Sir H. SAMUEL

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the statement I made, in the course of the Debate on the Home Office Vote on Friday last, concerning the measures to be taken in connection with the co-ordination of police effort. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. HANNON

Does that mean that the Home Secretary can see no circumstances in which corporal punishment ought to be applied in these cases of violence?

Sir H. SAMUEL

Without expressing any opinion as to the desirability of its application in particular cases, I have mentioned that the law does make provision allowing the courts to apply it.